ACTing Queer

Welcome to "ACTing Queer": the podcast for queer therapists, by queer therapists. The aim of this podcast is to explore the queer experience in psychotherapy (and in life) via a contextual behavioral science lens. This initial episode, we introduce to your hosts on this journey: Melissa Farrell, PsyD and Michael May, LCPC. We'll provide you with the context that gave rise to this podcast and the motivations that continue to propel us forward on creating this. Please note: this podcast is meant to be a conversation and is not meant to be *primarily* educational. 

In the current episode, Melissa and Michael temporarily pull the "ACTing Queer" car to the side of the road so we can engage in the NECESSARY discussion regarding the systemic racism, police violence, and injustice. The hosts make it clear that, while this may seem to be a deviation from the premise of the series, it has direct action implications for clinicians as agents of social change. Black Lives Matter. They MUST. 

(Please Note: This episode was recorded in June of 2019) In this episode Melissa and Michael discuss Pride Month, its historical context and its current functions for queer individuals. We also discuss how to be a queer-ally within queer spaces such as pride. 

In this episode we provide a brief introduction to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (i.e. ACT). We take a tour of the six core component Psychological Flexibility processes: Acceptance, Defusion, Contact with the Present Moment, Self-As-Context, Values, and Committed Action. We also provide a number of clinical examples of how each of these parts-of-a-whole relate to specific queer-related concerns/issues. 

We are honored to have the opportunity to interview Matthew Skinta, PhD, ABPP. Dr. Skinta is a board-certified clinical health psychologist and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Roosevelt University. He is also a peer-reviewed Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Trainer, a certified Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) Trainer, and a certified Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) teacher. Dr. Skinta is renowned within the ACBS community for his clinical & research endeavors with respect to sexual & gender minority (SGM) individuals.

Within this episode, we discuss Dr. Skinta’s own personal clinical and research journey. We discuss his observations regarding the role of the contextual behavioral sciences in examining the lived experience of SGM individuals as well as his personal aspirations for ongoing empirical priorities with respect to these populations. Per usual, this episode gets personal as we examine the role of minority stress plays within the context of the behavior of both client and clinician. Without a doubt, this is a MUST LISTEN episode! NOTE: this episode does include language that is explicit...of course! Behavioral science, personal anecdotes, and unabashed vulnerability! What a treat…
 
 Dr. Skinta’s Bio:
“I am board certified in clinical health psychology, reflecting my background in integrated medical settings, HIV/AIDS-related work, and a respect for the ways that our physical health reflects and affects psychological well-being. I have specific clinical experience and expertise working with sexual orientation and gender identity, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, and chronic depression.”

“My research interests are primarily focused on the interpersonal costs of minority stress upon sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals. Histories of shame, family rejection, stigma, and concealment can lead to patterns of challenge and barriers to connection. I am interested in those approaches that might promote vulnerability, acceptance, and self-compassion in ways that nurture social connections and the health that comes with safety in our relationships.”

“Finally, contextual behavioral psychotherapies and the underlying assumptions of those therapies, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy, are the threads that run through both my research and clinical interests.”
 
 Dr. Skinta’s Faculty Page:
https://www.roosevelt.edu/academics/faculty/profile?ID=mskinta

Dr. Skinta’s Books:
Skinta, M., Curtin, A., & Pachankis, J. (2016). Mindfulness & acceptance for gender and sexual minorities: A clinician's guide to fostering compassion, connection & equality using contextual strategies. Oakland, CA: Context Press. (Available at: https://www.newharbinger.com/author/matthew-d-skinta)

Be on the look-out for Dr. Skinta’s upcoming book: Contextual Behavior Therapy for Sexual and Gender Minority Clients: A Practical Guide to Treatment published through Routledge Press available in November of 2020!