Kevin Polk's four-quadrant model that makes the client's movements visible. The horizontal axis is toward values versus away from discomfort. The vertical axis is inner experience versus external behavior. The matrix shows how much life energy goes into avoidance and how much remains available for valued action.
Step-by-step guide
- Draw four quadrants on paper.
- Lower right, away from discomfort externally: "What do you do to get away from pain? Avoid, postpone, withdraw?"
- Lower left, toward values externally: "What do you do in the direction of what matters?"
- Upper right, away from discomfort internally: "How do you try to get away inside? Suppress, distract, argue?"
- Upper left, toward values internally: "Which thoughts and images support movement toward values?"
When to use
- You need a structured view of the problem.
- You want to show that moving toward values requires willingness to feel discomfort.
- The client needs to see an avoidance pattern.
- Visual restructuring of a session is useful.
Key phrases
Let's fill in the matrix. What do you do internally toward the value? What do you do to move away from discomfort?
Follow-up questions
Externally, which behaviors move toward the value? Which move away from pain?
Look at the right side: how much energy goes into avoidance?
What from the left side would you like to strengthen?
Alternative phrasings
For a first session, use the simpler version: two questions only, "toward what?" and "away from what?"
Warnings
- ⚠️ No specific contraindications.
- ⚠️ Do not overload the client; the matrix can be filled gradually, one quadrant at a time.
Source: Polk, K. L. & Schoendorff, B. (2014). The ACT Matrix: A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility. New Harbinger
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.