Progressive Muscle Mindfulness (PMM)

Free ACT exercise from Dr Russ Harris’s Trauma-Focused ACT

This guided mindfulness exercise helps clients connect with their bodies through gentle tension and release. Unlike relaxation techniques, Progressive Muscle Mindfulness focuses on awareness and acceptance, noticing sensations with curiosity, without trying to change or control them.

Developed by Dr Russ Harris for Trauma-Focused ACT, this practice supports grounding, embodiment, and emotional regulation, key skills for trauma-informed therapy.

Use this free exercise to:

  • Teach mindful awareness of body sensations

  • Support trauma-sensitive grounding practices

  • Integrate body-based mindfulness into ACT sessions

A line drawing of some paper held together by a paperclip on a green background
Clinical tool

Progressive Muscle Mindfulness (PMM)

Russ Harris clears up the aim of PMM and offers a script for guiding clients through the practice.