THE ACT MATRIX RESOURCES PAGE
I have added these videos to guide you and your students as you learn and practice the Matrix together. Social-emotional learning occurs everywhere so I have included a demo video of how to present the ACT Matrix online.
The ACT Matrix process is a highly effective means of promoting social-emotional learning, self-monitoring and prosocial behavior in learners of all ages. It is appropriate for regular and special education populations. You just need practice and experience. Please feel free to contact me with questions or feedback.
The ACT Matrix is also a great inservice training or workshop for your staff that can be tailored to specific subjects like classroom management, conflict resolution, team planning, etc. I am available for in-person and virtual training.
Dr. Kevin Polk and I have launched YOUR DAILY MATRIX, an online newsletter on Substack. It's free, and if you would like to sign up, you will receive a daily matrix email. People who use the Matrix tell us that helps them develop clarity and calm. You can check it out here:
Please visit my training site for schools, businesses, and other organizations. It is for educators, professionals, and anyone interested in making a difference for themselves and those they serve. Sign up to get on my mailing list for webinars, announcements, and updates. Learn more at evolvingsolutions.co
Use the following links to access these resources.
Video Training #1: Setting Up the Point of View and Asking the Questions
Ih this video I will orient you to the ACT Matrix diagram and show you how to conduct an initial session.
Video #2: It's All About Workability
The ACT Matrix is all about getting you and your students where you want to go Let me walk you through what is going on behind the matrix that helps everyone move closer to the person they want to be.
Video #3: Stuck Loops and the Struggle
We all get stuck sometimes. You can show your students how this happens and how they can get themselves unstuck. Doing this allows them to keep moving toward who and what is important.
Video #4: Sorting for Flexibility
Here is how you can do sorting with the ACT Matrix. Any experience of the learner can be sorted into the ACT Matrix and they can begin to sort with you or on their own. Sorting will help you and your students reduce struggles and learn how to soar.
Video #5: The Prosocial ACT Matrix for Groups
Here you learn how to set up for the group matrix. Presenting this to your learners helps you and them to harness the power of group collaboration mutually agreed-upon goals. They will also learn prosocial skills and interpersonal problem-solving.
Video #6 : Moving Toward a Healthy, High Powered Classroom or Group
Here are the core design principles of effective groups. Using the Prosocial Matrix for groups creates the conditions for high performing classrooms and groups.
Learning to ACT with Psychological Flexibility for Online Learning During the Pandemic
Educators and helpers are busy learning and ramping up how to serve students and others online. We are all looking for what works to engage all learners and help them negotiate this new and mostly uncharted territory. This video shows you my process for using the ACT Matrix to engage others online. The way you join is not to tell them but to show them the point of view so they experience the process of psychological flexibility and creativity. If you want to engage learners online, the ACT Matrix is a game-changer.
The Connections Between the ACT Matrix, Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning
The ACT Matrix seamlessly weaves what's good for individuals and groups with everyday social-emotional learning. It is simple and sustainable.
Additional Resources and Source Material for the ACT Matirix
The ACT Matrix Academy The website of Dr. Kevin Polk, creator, developer and International ACT Matrix Consultant and Trainer.
Transforming Chaos to Calm: The Ultimate Guide to Collaborative Crisis Intervention in Schools with the ACT Matrix. Phil Tenaglia, M.A. February 2023, Kindle Direct Press
Polk, K.L., Schoendorff, B., Wilson, K.G. 2014. The ACT Matrix: A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility Across Settings and Populations, New Harbinger
Polk, K., and B. Schoendorff. 2016. The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix: A Step-By-Step Approach to Using the ACT Matrix Model in Clinical Practice. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
“The Matrix Goes to School: Promoting Psychological Flexibility in Education”, Phil Tenaglia author, Chapter 12 in The ACT Matrix: A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility Across Settings and Populations, Edited by Polk and Schoendorff, New Harbinger, 2014.
Hayes, SC, Strosahl, KD & Wilson, K.G. 2012, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.), Guilford Press, New York, NY US.
Kashdan, T., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health Clinical Psychology Review, 30 (7), 865-878 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.001
Ostrom, E. 2015, Governing the Commons; The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action, Cambridge University Press.
Rehfeldt, R. A., & Barnes-Holmes, Y. (2009). Derived Relational Responding: Applications for Learners with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Sarason, S. (1997) NASP Distinguished Lecture Series: What Should We Do About School Reform? School Psychology Review, Vol 21, No. !, pp. 104-110.
Törneke, N. 2010, Learning RFT: An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory and Its Clinical Application, New Harbinger
contextualscience.org website of the association of contextual behavioral science, learning and research community, and all things ACT
A Bit About Me
Phil Tenaglia, a school psychologist, family therapist, and ACT Matrix coach with decades of experience in K-12 education, has served as a teacher, school psychologist, and crisis intervention specialist. Working with Dr. Kevin Polk, the creator of The Matrix, Phil introduced Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) to education in 2009. He now trains individuals, schools, and organizations in applying the ACT Matrix for mental health, social-emotional learning, and workplace wellness.
Named 2016 School Psychologist of the Year by the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists, Phil also practices family therapy at the Growth Opportunity Center in Southampton, PA. He co-authored several books on Matrix coaching for businesses and organizations with Dr. Polk. His 2023 publication, "Transforming Chaos to Calm," focuses on collaborative crisis intervention using the ACT Matrix in schools.
Based in Langhorne, PA, Phil enjoys family time, practices aikido, and plays disc golf.