Jennifer L. Patterson

Hi! I’m Dr. Jennifer L. Patterson, psychologist, educator, and author of The ACT Workbook for Behavioral Addictions. If you’ve ever felt stuck in habits that don’t serve you, like scrolling, shopping, eating, gambling, or anything else that feels compulsive, you’re not alone. This workbook was created to help you gently explore what’s driving those patterns and how to move forward with clarity, courage, and self-compassion.

The approach I use is called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It’s designed to help people face painful thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed. Rather than trying to fix or avoid discomfort, ACT invites you to build a life guided by your values, even when things feel hard.

Inside the workbook, you’ll find creative tools like visual metaphors, hands-on exercises, and relatable examples that make the process feel doable and empowering. My intention is to help you feel seen, supported, and capable of change, not judged or pathologized.

Whether you’re a clinician, a curious reader, or someone seeking real support for everyday struggles, I hope this book feels like a compassionate companion on your journey. You don’t have to be perfect to make meaningful progress, and you don’t have to do it alone.