Course description

This course provides a functional, contextual approach to trauma conceptualization utilizing the ACT Matrix. The ACT Matrix is a tool that is used collaboratively with clients to restore boundaries, improve functioning, and heighten self-compassion. 

Topics include understanding the quadrants of the matrix, using the matrix to set treatment goals, and applying the matrix specifically within a trauma context. 

No prior knowledge of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy is required for this workshop.

1 Hour CE. Recorded Video Format (non-interactive) 

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Explain at least two functions of trauma responses using nonjudgmental language

  • Apply the ACT Matrix to build a collaborative treatment plan with clients

  • Describe at least three core yearnings and how trauma affects them

Course outline

1. Introduction
2. What is trauma?
a. Six core human yearnings
b. Coherence & how trauma affects it
3. Function vs. Reason
a. ABCs of human behavior
b. A functional contextual approach to behavior 
c. Looking for function
4. Setting up the collaborative framework: The ACT Matrix
a. Introducing the ACT Matrix
b. Establishing the basic metaphor
c. Sorting out life experience
d. Identifying stuck loops
5. Analyzing the function of behavior
a. Using the ACT Matrix as a lens to help understand behavior
b. Assessing function across three domains
6. Addressing Core Yearnings
a. How the ACT Matrix provides a sense of coherence
b. How the ACT Matrix establishes clear orientation
7. Practicing awareness of thoughts, feelings, and memories
a. Sorting inner experience into the matrix
b. Working along the vertical line
c. Applying experiential acceptance and cognitive defusion skills
8. Long term change
a. Integrating the ACT Matrix into daily life 

References

Included Resources

Handouts:

  • Barebones S-V Matrix Tracker 
  • Survival-Vital Matrix
  • Simple ACT Matrix Tracker
  • ACT Matrix Presence Tracker 

Reviews

A useful approach to trauma!

Tony Davis

I did not know about the ACT Matrix beforehand, but feel that after the course I could confidently add it to my trauma toolbox. I find the worksheets useful because sometimes it is helpful for clients to SEE where they are stuck.

I did not know about the ACT Matrix beforehand, but feel that after the course I could confidently add it to my trauma toolbox. I find the worksheets useful because sometimes it is helpful for clients to SEE where they are stuck.

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Helpful tool - great training!

Susan Hollingsworth

He did a great job of explaining how to use this valuable tool. I already have plans of implementing this into my sessions!

He did a great job of explaining how to use this valuable tool. I already have plans of implementing this into my sessions!

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Excellent Presentation

Melissa Featherstone

Very informative and totally applicable to practice.

Very informative and totally applicable to practice.

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Great Brief Overview of a Useful Tool

Melissa Jones

This course provides a straightforward overview of a tool that has great utility and flexibility for working with survivors of trauma.

This course provides a straightforward overview of a tool that has great utility and flexibility for working with survivors of trauma.

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Instructor

Jacob Martinez, MA, LPC

Jacob Martinez, MA, is a Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor (#7030-125) in private practice, and the founder of ACTnaturally.net, a website dedicated to offering novel tools and resources for practitioners. He is an experienced presenter on the ACT Matrix and related interventions.

Additional information

Format and Length:

Recorded video format (non-interactive). Total running time 65 minutes.

Topic Area:

Clinical practice 

NAADAC Counselor Skill Group 2: Clinical Assessment

Instructional Level:

Intermediate. This course assumes graduate-level knowledge of psychotherapy and trauma response. It does not presume prior knowledge of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Completion Requirements:

To obtain your CE certificate, you must progress through all course segments, complete a satisfaction survey, and obtain a score of 80% or higher on a course completion quiz. Learners are expected to complete the quiz within a reasonable number of attempts, and may be blocked from completing the course and receiving their certificate if unable to do so.

Completion Quiz and Course Evaluation:

After watching course videos, the course completion quiz will be available to complete, followed by the course evaluation.

Who Should Attend:

Psychologists, counselors, masters or doctoral level clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists. 

Publication and Review Dates:

Course Published: July 28, 2020

Financial Support Statement:

SimplePractice pays course presenters for their teaching. There is no other financial support for this course.

Conflict of Interest Statement:

There is no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course.

Refund Policy:

Click here to see our policies on attendance, refunds, grievances, and accessibility, and other frequently asked questions. Click here to contact us or submit a grievance.

Contact Information:

For any inquiries related to subject matter guidance, correction, grading, comments, or problem resolution please contact us.

System Requirements:

Please ensure your device meets our system requirements.

Continuing Education Approvals:

SimplePractice is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SimplePractice maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course provides 1 hour of continuing education (1 CE credit) for psychologists.

SimplePractice has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6961. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SimplePractice is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

SimplePractice has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6961. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SimplePractice is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

SimplePractice, #1749, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Simple Practice maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 07/06/2021 – 07/06/2024. Social workers participating in this course will receive 1 continuing education credit in the Clinical topic area.

SimplePractice is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and LEPs (CAMFT CEPA provider #145276). SimplePractice maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course meets the qualifications for 1 hour of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

SimplePractice is approved as a Rule/Statute Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. Note that we do not automatically report CE completion to CE Broker at this time, so certificates of completion must be manually uploaded. Click here for more information.

SimplePractice LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0582.

SimplePractice LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0030.

SimplePractice LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0091.

SimplePractice LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0206. 


This course has been approved by SimplePractice, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 1 Hour CE. NAADAC Provider #186410. SimplePractice is responsible for all aspects of their programming. Click here to view our complete CE approval information.