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ACTing in the present: How to use the ACT Matrix to conceptualize cases and benefit clients
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based transdiagnostic modality that has been researched and utilized with various clinical presentations and populations. Those who are trained in ACT are most likely familiar with the “Hexaflex”, however they may not be familiar with the ACT Matrix (Polk, Hambright, Webster). The ACT Matrix provides a visual and action-oriented conceptualization for both clinicians and clients to identify areas of difficulty and specific interventions that can promote psychological flexibility.
This training will review the six elements of ACT (with emphasis on mindfulness, defusion, and values) and introduce how to conceptualize a clinical presentation using the ACT Matrix.
Dr. Jes Leonard earned her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from West Virginia University and her M.S. in sport psychology from Ithaca College. She completed her postdoctoral residency at the VA Maine Healthcare System in Augusta, Maine and pre-doctoral internship at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. At both training sites, Dr. Leonard exclusively utilized ACT on her various rotations. Additionally, her post-doc fellowship was partly supervised by Dr. Jerold Hambright, one of the co-creators of the ACT Matrix.
Dr. Leonard currently works at Lifestance Health, NH as a licensed psychologist and supervisor who specializes in trauma-focused therapy (using ACT as well as IFS, CPT, and PE). She provides regular ACT Matrix trainings for fellow clinicians. She is the current Training Director of the post-doc and practicum program and Regional Clinical Assessment Director of Lifestance NH/ME. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Leonard is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Rivier University PsyD program.
Thomas is a third-year doctoral student in the Combined Counseling and School Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Rivier University in Nashua, NH. Prior to serving in the U.S. Army, Thomas was involved in social work providing services to adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities both in home and in the community. Attaining a Master’s in Developmental Psychology while enlisted as a public affairs noncommissioned officer, he has always been driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world and entered his doctoral program immediately after being honorably discharged. Thomas has completed a master’s-level internship in Kansas, a doctoral practicum within the Chelmsford Public School system, and is presently working with Dr. Leonard at LifeStance providing adolescent and adult therapy using the ACT model. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, attending concerts, meditation, and doing just about anything family oriented.
