THE ACT MATRIX

Movements "Towards" (values) vs. Movements "Away" (avoidance).

The ACT Matrix is a visual behavioral model that allows you to discriminate behavior based on its functionality. It is divided into two main axes.

The vertical axis distinguishes between internal experience (thoughts, emotions, sensations) and external behavior (observable actions).

The horizontal axis differentiates the direction of these actions: "Towards" movements are those that bring the individual closer to who they want to be and what they value, while "Away" movements are reactive behaviors designed to avoid or control internal discomfort, often at a long-term cost, and "Towards" movements are reactive behaviors designed to avoid or control internal discomfort, often at a long-term cost, while "Away" movements are reactive behaviors designed to avoid or control internal discomfort, often at a long-term cost.

To illustrate this concept, let's think of a soccer striker going through a goal-scoring drought.

Faced with feelings of insecurity and thoughts of "I'm no good", his automatic reaction might be to hide behind defenders so as not to receive the ball ("Moving away" movement).

Although this reduces his immediate anxiety by avoiding failure, it takes him away from his value of being a courageous and participative player.

In contrast, a "Towards" movement would involve asking for the ball and shooting at goal, carrying with it insecurity, but acting in the direction of his desired sporting identity ,.

Visual mapping of athlete behavior

Using the Matrix as a clinical tool involves drawing these quadrants with the athlete to map his or her psychological reality.

It begins by identifying who or what is important (values) and what internal barriers (thoughts/sensations) appear.

Then, you analyze the athlete's current "solutions" to those internal problems.

Often, these solutions are avoidance behaviors that work temporarily to alleviate pain, but restrict the athlete's sporting life.

Suppose we work with a swimmer who suffers from panic before major competitions.

In her matrix, we identify that her values are self-improvement and competition. The barriers are tachycardia and catastrophic thoughts.

By mapping her behaviors, we observe that her current "solution" is to fake minor injuries to withdraw from difficult events or train at lower intensity.

By visualizing this in the diagram, the athlete can clearly see how her attempts to control fear (movements away) are sabotaging her career.

The goal of the intervention is to help her notice these barriers and consciously choose "Toward" behaviors, such as showing up at the starting block shaking, but showing up.

Summary

The Matrix is a visual behavioral model that discriminates behavior according to its functionality. It is structured on two main axes that divide internal/external experience and the direction of actions.

"Moving away" movements are reactive behaviors designed to avoid discomfort, often with long-term costs. In contrast, "Toward" movements bring the individual closer to their desired values and identity.

In clinical practice, it is used to map the psychological reality of the athlete. Visualizing how avoidance strategies sabotage performance helps to consciously choose behaviors aligned with what is important.