Proprietary Tools
Synergy Foundation is uniquely authorized to use several important proprietary tools and methodologies.
The M-MATRIX Tool ® (The M-MATRIX Needs-to-Resource Assessment and Management Tool) is sometimes affectionately called the "Expectations Matrix" (a slight misnomer). Backed by sound research and know-how from multiple disciplines, it's a proprietary tool that helps people identify, differentiate among, and assess their needs, and match them to the appropriate resources, which are likewise evaluated. Training on the use of this tool is available for individuals whether they are in crisis, have experienced trauma, or are simply working toward proactive self-development and resilience building. The M-MATRIX is a complement, not a competitor, to the work of various professionals and recovery programs, such as therapists, counselors, life coaches, religious leaders, medical or legal professionals, etc. It helps individuals choose and work more effectively with available resources, understanding what to expect and how to appreciate each relationship. We currently have customized version components for PTSD sufferers and their supporters, as well as for partners/spouses who deal with past or on-going trauma related to pornography/sexual addiction.
SES © – SES stands for Stability-Education-Strategy, and is our own research-based protocol used to help the traumatized progress through these three interconnected stages, during or after crisis. It is accompanied by practical tools that can be utilized well into the future during solid, longterm recovery. SES is part of our first response to assist porn users and/or their partners, but its principles, and the procedure to first stabilitze, then educate, and finally strategize can be applied to many different types of crisis*. For the partner, stabilization involves personal and situational validation, in some cases an acute safety checklist and/or at least rudimentary boundary-setting, as well as a variety of other exercises that deal with our emotions, self-care, and more. It generally includes use of the M-MATRIX Tool® to begin needs-to-resources assessment, and to reassure the individual that s/he is not helpless. Timely success in this stage is critical! For the porn user or addict, stabilization may include exercises that deal with motivation and faciliate initial sobriety in preparation for the next steps. Once participants are better able to learn, process, and apply what they've learned, the Education phase includes sharing relevant general information and delivering practical training about the issue at hand (how it works, what to expect, how to outsmart it, and best practices for overcoming the problem and moving through recovery), partly so that informed decisions can be made in a timely manner. This phase may also include a safe, assisted disclosure process for information pertinent to the specific couple/situation. Strategy is the phase in which the informed individuals are then trained in decision-making and the setting and pursuing of goals and objectives. These tasks are supported partly by the M-MATRIX Tool® results. SES helps make the difference between merely coping (often badly and while remaining at-risk) and actually overcoming challenges, between just surviving and truly thriving.
SRT – SRT stands for Synergistic Response Team, and is a comprehensive model for methodically mapping out key players in a community or organization, along with their roles, responsibilities, and interfacing, in order to help them work together to achieve the most effective and well-coordinated group response possible to a given issue. The issues for which we create and help strengthen SRTs are the ill effects of trauma and other mental wellness issues, and the impact of porn and related misconduct (sexual harassment, addiction, assault, etc.). We design ways to address issues that are effective, evenly rolled out and taught to all who will use the system, secure community buy-in, and comply with relevant legal parameters. Schools, community organizations, and private businesses are appropriate candidates to create and implement a SRT.