Public Service Announcement: Ethical Considerations of Training
The ACT Matrix is not a pyramid scheme
What I am about to write does not come easily. I’ve thought long and hard about how to say this or whether or not I even should speak on this issue. Ultimately I have come to the decision that it is consistent with my values to speak out against potential harm and to inform others, but I hope to do so in a way that does not cast aspersions on any person.
I started my website (theactmatrix.com) after falling in love with the matrix as a therapeutic tool, and learning how to use it through videos, books, and direct training from one of the principal developers of the matrix, let’s call him Pevin Kolk.
I started this blog in response to the reduction in quality of ACT matrix training and resources online by that same developer. The recent work he has been doing has edged closer and closer to territory that is unethical, namely espousing marketing practices that are exploitative.
The impetus of this post is that this person has openly begun advocating “MLM”, or Multi-Level Marketing, aka Network Marketing, aka Relationship Marketing practices, and is using the ACT Matrix to this end.
Below is an image for such a training:
For those of you who are not familiar, multi-level marketing is also commonly known as a Pyramid Scheme.
There is essentially no form of multi-level marketing business that is not exploitative. As such, I am extremely disappointed that the ACT Matrix is associated with these practices, and my fear is that these associations will affect the reputation of the matrix as a clinical tool, as well as the reputations of those who use it honestly for the reduction of human suffering.
Put simply, the principal developer of the ACT Matrix is now using the tool to promote something that is widely known to cause harm. This deserves serious contemplation.
Multi-level marketing practices are such a concern that many nations across the world have regulated them to the point of illegality. They are flatly illegal in Bangladesh, China, and Saudi Arabia.
They are also subject of scrutiny in Islam (from Wikipedia):
Many Islamic jurists and religious bodies including Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta of Saudi Arabia have considered MLM trade to be prohibited or haram, the reasons behind which are as follows: In this process, followings are related – exchange without labor and labor without exchange, contract on another contract or condition on another condition, similarity with Riba (interest), similarity with gambling, widespread uncertainty of profits and losses, not everyone benefiting equally, financial fraud and torture, lying and exaggeration, etc.
While they are legal in the United States, the US Federal Trade Commission states:
“Are you considering a business opportunity that involves selling products to family and friends and recruiting other people to do the same? That kind of business is called multi-level marketing (MLM) or network marketing. Some MLMs are illegal pyramid schemes.
Most people who join legitimate MLMs make little or no money. Some of them lose money. People who become involved in an illegal pyramid scheme may not realize they’ve joined a fraudulent venture, and typically lose everything they invest. Some also end up deeply in debt.”
Let me emphasize the point in the last paragraph: even people who join legitimate MLMs make little or no money, or end up losing money.
I would encourage everyone reading this to inform themselves on the dangers of these predatory business models, and to steer clear.
What does this mean for you, me, and the ACT Matrix?
Well, all I can say is that I believe in the ACT matrix as an effective method for psychological treatment, and like any such tool it can be used for harm. Such use is a deliberate choice, and antithetical to the core values of helping others.
I hope to create a home for high quality ACT Matrix content that is geared always toward the reduction of human suffering. I also hope that I can be a person you trust to deliver content of ethical caliber.
I’m always happy to talk to anybody about ACT and the matrix, and I promise to never use exploitative practices in my trainings or consultations.
Here is my personal matrix that I did while thinking about this topic:
Regretfully Submitted,
Jacob Martinez // Through The ACT Matrix
Would now be an awkward time to talk about my paid consultation services? Haha
If anyone is looking for personalized consultation in ACT, RFT, or the ACT matrix I charge $75/hour for those services and $50/hour for groups of two or more people if you have some colleagues who also want to learn. All prices in US dollars.
Just reach out and we can set something up.