Dr. Kevin Polk and I are hosting multiple weekly webinars. The purpose is to teach and train others on how to dramatically increase psychological flexibility and safety for everyone.

Check out our Crowdcast topics and experience for yourself the power of this dynamic process. 

At the time of this post, we are at the beginning of the national response to the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses and schools have shuttered, and we are social distancing to give medical experts and scientists the time they need to help us weather this unprecedented time.

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 have them experience the process of psychological flexibility.

If you want additional hands-on training in online learning and telehealth, Dr. Kevin Polk and I are offering a course that leads to certification and more. Go here to sign up:

https://www.theactmatrixacademy.com/store/kJnLLrzX

Here is some inspiring news for ACT Matrix users!

I have partnered with National Professional Resources to create the first ACT Matrix Guide for use in schools and other organizations.

NPR is a leader in professional development resources and guides for educators. “The ACT Matrix: A Mindful Process for SEL, Mental Health, Collaboration, and Achievement,” is a laminated guide for use for and with learners of all ages and will be available in late February of 2020. It is also an excellent teaching and training tool to use with those you serve.

NPR is offering a pre-order discount before the guide is available. Just click HERE

Last week my family and I went to see the new movie, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”. It is a tale based on true life events of how a cynical journalist develops a friendship with children’s television icon Fred Rogers. If you check it out bring tissues 🙂

Mr. Rogers was a beloved TV personality who invited his young viewers into his “neighborhood” for 895 episodes to talk about what goes on inside of us. He trusted that when children felt invested in by adults they could learn the lessons they needed and apply them in their lives.

The genius of Fred Rogers is that he met his young viewers right where they were. He had three simple rules: 

1. Be Kind

2. Be Kind

3. Be Kind

He used his show to convey that they were worthwhile, special and could share whatever they were going through. When he told them all feelings were mentionable and manageable, he was handing them the keys to their own social and emotional learning.

Now, this can be a challenging lesson for many students to learn. Some learners are easier to influence than others. The process, as Fred discovered, is the same. Meet them where they are, help them to become aware, and help them to keep moving forward. This is something I keep in the back of my head when I work with students. The more stuck they are, the more I work this process. This is especially true at this time of year since the messages of joy and celebration may not resonate with all of them.

So how would Mr. Rogers respond to this sort of thing? Well, he would probably say something like,

“It’s okay to feel the way you feel and it is good to talk about that with those you trust” 

Oh, and it is good to keep in mind that we need to treat ourselves the same way too:)