I interview Nathaniel Chua, a therapist from the Philippines about how he uses the ACT Matrix in his work, especially for couples.

The promise of the ACT Matrix is that we begin the initial work with who and what matters to the client, setting that as central in the therapy, then frame what the client comes to therapy thinking is the “central issue” as simply an obstacle to what matters. But how to we keep the vitality of values work alive in the rest of the work?

How we relate to others is intimately connected with our ability to see into the soul of another person. We must be able to perceive others as common human beings, as living and breathing, and loving people who do matter. Who matter not because they have some value assigned by society, but because they have inherent worth.

So I’ve created a matrix for white and non-black POC to use that is specifically designed to illuminate racial issues from a different perspective than our own.

When working with families and couples I use the matrix to guide their conversations and help them generate healthy & effective communication skills. The process is simple and modified versions of the matrix can be created and given to clients to practice outside of session.

Here we’ll take a look at two different scenarios and use the matrix to craft an overarching conversation that avoids pitfalls of harsh criticism, and defensiveness, and increases the likelihood of a collaborative outcome.

The ACT Matrix approach is sometimes criticized by being too cerebral or cognitive, and I think that it can definitely be practiced that way, but it can also be practiced in ways that go deep into the felt sense, experience, and body.

A self-as-contexting meditation to help us during this (or any) rough time.

In an alternate universe somewhere there was a hundred year war between the factions of the ACT Matrix and the Choice Point to settle which tool was the absolute best. Luckily, here in this universe, the open science and collaborative nature of the CBS field allows for both the ACT Matrix and the Choice Point to exist simultaneously and in harmony. But what exactly are the similarities and differences between the two models, and can they be used together?

Nearly every person takes an immediate understanding to the concept of toward and away, but some have difficulty putting it into action. It’s as if they are understanding the logic of the matrix but not connecting it to their own life. They may have thoughts like “I know what I need to do, but I just can’t do it.” Here’s what that means and how to avoid getting stuck.

The ACT Matrix is different from the traditional Hexaflex model of ACT. But how different? And what are the implications? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

I’ve created the ACT Matrix Dial as a customizable tool you can use with clients to help them reconnect to their power to choose their actions. Download it here and try it out with clients today.

Steve Hayes discusses the core yearnings that underlie all human behavior in his book A Liberated Mind. Here’s how these core yearnings fit into the ACT Matrix model.

When clients come to us initially their awareness is often narrowed in a rigid and problematic way, learn how the ACT Matrix can expand it.