About Next ACT

NextACT was founded by Latosha D. Leonard, MS, LPC, a licensed professional counselor, educator, speaker, and community builder with more than 15 years of clinical, research, and community practice.


After years of working with individuals in transition, Latosha noticed a consistent pattern: many people who described themselves as lost or stuck were not broken. They were in the middle of change.


What they needed was not pressure or urgency. They needed language, orientation, and structure.NextACT exists to provide that.

Holistic Therapy

Reiki

Yoga

Recovery

Wellness

Strength

Clinical Foundation

Latosha holds a Master of Science in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Texas. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Counselor Education at Texas A&M University, beginning Fall 2026. Her clinical work integrates evidence-based modalities, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and DBT with holistic practices including mindfulness, Reiki, and yoga.


She holds a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification and is a trained Reiki master. She has served as a Clinical Supervisor at the University of St. Edward's Community Counseling Clinic and as District V Director of the Texas Counseling Association. She is a previous Fellow of the African American Leadership Academy and received the National Alliance on Mental Illness Community Champion award in 2024 for her contributions to the Austin mental health community. As a United States Air Force veteran, Latosha brings specialized understanding of military transition, institutional culture, and the identity shifts that accompany service and reintegration.

The Middle of Change Framework

The Middle of Change is Latosha's original, proprietary framework for understanding and navigating the developmental phase of transition. It identifies the season in life where the old ways no longer fit and the new ones haven't emerged  as a real, navigable, and nameable phase distinct from failure or pathology. The framework is delivered through the Middle of Change Intensive, a 90-minute guided experience built on three conditions: Regulate. Clarify. Act.


This methodology is the foundation of all NextACT programming — individual sessions, organizational engagements, professional training, and the growing Academy track.

Community Work and Advocacy

Latosha leads  Monday Mindset Reset Podcast, Live with Latosha and, Sunday night restorative yoga, three weekly community touchpoints grounded in the NextACT framework  She is a sought-after speaker for organizations, nonprofits, universities, faith communities, and professional groups. Her talks center on navigating the middle of change without urgency, shame, or self-abandonment.

Trust the process.

In a culture obsessed with 'getting to the other side,' we often overlook the value of the unfolding. Trusting the process is the practice of building capacity for uncertainty. By leaning into the transition rather than bypassing it, we move from a state of survival to one of intentional reorganization.

HOW TO GET STARTED

01.

Choose Your Treatment

Select the treatment plan or session bundle that best suits your needs and goals.

02.

Schedule a Consultation

Book a time that works for you—we’ll discuss your concerns and create a personalized approach.

03.

Begin Your Healing

Confirm your booking and take the first step toward relief, recovery, and renewed balance.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Next ACT a traditional therapy practice?

    Yes. Next ACT is a licensed mental health practice led by Latosha Leonard, LPC. While we offer workbooks and professional training, we also provide direct clinical services including individual holistic therapy and structured group counseling. We specialize in supporting high-functioning adults through grief, stress, and major life transitions.

  • What kind of therapy do you offer?

    Latosha primarily utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This is a values-based, action-oriented approach that helps you stop struggling with painful thoughts and feelings and start moving toward what truly matters to you. We also offer The Grief Recovery Method®, a scientifically validated program for moving beyond the pain of death, divorce, and other significant losses.

  • Do you offer group counseling?

    Absolutely. We believe in the power of healing in community. We host virtual groups such as "Living with Purpose," a 6-week ACT-based journey to build resilience and clarity. We also offer Grief Recovery Method® Outreach Groups for those seeking a guided partnership through the grieving process. 

  • Do you take insurance for therapy sessions?

    Yes. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Latosha is an in-network provider for several major insurance plans. Because coverage can vary, we recommend mentioning your provider in the 'Share Project Details' section of our contact form so we can verify your benefits during your initial consultation.

  • What is the "Grief Recovery Method®" and how is it different?

    Unlike traditional talk therapy that may focus on managing symptoms, The Grief Recovery Method® is an action-based program. It provides specific tools to help you identify and "complete" the unfinished emotional business that comes with loss. It’s not about "getting over it," but about regaining your capacity for joy and productivity.

  • How do I know if I need a workbook or a therapy session?

    Our workbooks are excellent self-guided tools for "orientation" and personal reflection. However, if you find that your distress is impacting your daily functioning, or if you are navigating deep-seated grief and trauma, individual or group therapy provides the professional, clinical support and personalized intervention needed for lasting healing.

  • How do I get started?

    We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation for all potential therapy clients. This is a low-pressure way to discuss your needs, ask questions about Latosha’s approach, and ensure we are the right fit for your "Next ACT."