16 Steps

Hi folks,

For those who don't know, I do a lot of webinars teaching people how to use the ACT Matrix diagram to increase psychological flexibility. You can check the webinar schedule out. Just click the link below.

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/calendar/monthview?eso=001t1dJiv4sO8ZuTC1QztLAIw%3D%3D&llr=455lm4iab

Lately I have been teaching my students 16 steps around the Matrix diagram as a way of learning how to increase psychological flexibility. Fifteen sounds like a lot, but once you get into the routine, one step flows right into the other, so they are easy to remember.

Why the 16? Mostly because it's structured way to learn what is otherwise a very freeform activity. Think of it like martial arts training. In the dojo you learn forms or Katas because they are a great way to learn the basics. 

So the 16 steps around the matrix are a structured way to learn your way around the ACT Matrix. Once you learn the 16, then you are free to branch out on your own and discover new ways of increasing psychological flexibility.

Note: This presentation is for anyone. I've heard of a kindergarten teacher using this stuff with her students. I personally have presented this very routine to a wide range of folks; fifth graders to business owners to college professors and all sort of people in between.

The steps are:

1. Ask if it's okay if you show your listeners the psychological flexibility point of view.
2. 5 senses experiencing.
3. Mental experiencing.
4. Notice the difference.
5. Toward experiencing.
6. Away experiencing.
7. Notice the difference.
8. Who is important to you?
9. What shows up inside of you and gets in the way?
10. What do you do to move away?
11. What do you do to move toward?
12. Noticing the two differences, who is important to you, what shows up inside of you and gets in the way, what you do to move away, and what you do to move toward is the psychological flexibility point of view.
13. Ask if it's okay if you work with them using the psychological flexibility point of view.
14. The unworkable change agenda (stuck).
15. Time Sharing.
16. Noticing Hooks and what you do next homework.

After doing these 16 steps, there's a good chance increased psychological flexibility will show up in you and in those listening to you.

There is cool philosophy and solid language theory running behind the scenes of the 16 steps. Check out my webinars if you would like to learn more.

Kevin