By Todd Schmenk, MS., M.Ed., LMHC, Peer Reviewed Trainer A System on the Brink Every industry eventually reaches a breaking point where old structures can no longer contain new possibilities. Taxis operated reliably—until Uber decentralized transportation. Landlines dominated communication—until mobile networks made connectivity fluid, portable, and personal. The mental health system is standing on that same precipice today. Clinicians are leaving agencies in record numbers.

Todd Schmenk, LMHC | Rhode Island ACT ( RIACT.org ) Abstract Teaching Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) presents a paradox. The same relational processes that underlie human suffering, namely, derived relational responding, also govern how clinicians learn, integrate, and embody ACT itself.  While new practitioners often struggle to “do ACT correctly,” genuine fluency arises not through rule-following but through immersion, reflection, and recursive relational learning.

The ACT Matrix  is a simple yet powerful tool used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients distinguish between their internal and external experiences, and to clarify behaviors that either bring them closer to or move them further away from their values. The primary aim of the Matrix is to enhance psychological flexibility —the ability to act in alignment with values, even in the face of difficult internal experiences like challenging thoughts and emotions.

The field of psychology has long relied on research conducted primarily with WEIRD populations— Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich,...

🔍 What Is the AIC Note? The AIC Note (Act-in-Context) is a progress note format that goes beyond traditional documentation by embedding...

Thank you for participating in the InterACT: ACT for Couples  training! This post is for attendees who want to review key concepts,...

Training Follow-Up Thank you for attending the recent ACT - Act in Action training! This article is specifically designed for...

By Todd Schmenk As someone who approaches therapy through the lens of Functional Contextualism and Relational Frame Theory (RFT), I’ve...

The basic psychological stance of the ACT therapist is an especially important factor in providing good treatment. This involves being...

Think ACT 2.0 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies mixed in...

New to ACT? Have some notion of the approach but want a deeper dive? Sign up now for a three-hour deepish dive into the Acceptance and...

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a profound way to help individuals change their lives for the better. The mental health...

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the six core processes (often referred to as the "hexaflex" and based in "yearnings,")...

Understanding and addressing client issues effectively requires thorough exploration. The Three-T (Time, Trigger, Trajectory) and...