Targeting Psychological Flexibility

The ACT Matrix

Psychological Flexibility is at the center of the ACT Matrix. It's as if the crossed lines form the familiar cross-hairs of a scope.

It's easy to think of ACT as mainly being about getting us moving toward who and what's important. That side of the diagram just looks and sounds more appealing than moving away. However, moving away is a very necessary part of life. For example, if we did not move away from the feeling of fear we would all be dead.

Psychological Flexibility is being open to moving in the moment AND being open to the consequences of the move. Might be a toward move and it might be an away move. Over time the consequences will shape you toward workable moves.

Kevin L. Polk, Ph.D.
www.drkevinpolk.com