Jonathan Joebgen

Mindfulness-based

My approach to therapy is rooted in mindfulness and strategies to build awareness and insight into one’s thoughts, feelings, actions, and personal experience to cultivate growth, self-acceptance, and a sense of agency or choice. I use mindfulness strategies to improve the effectiveness of other therapy approaches (i.e. CBT, gestalt). I also teach the use of meditation to reduce stress.

Gestalt

Gestalt Therapy is a holistic and relational process in which change occurs through increased awareness of thoughts, feelings, and experiences as they occur. For example, I may help you notice when you talk softer while telling of a time you couldn't express yourself to a parent. This may be followed up with an experiment where you practice a new way of responding while maintaining your volume.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the connection and intersection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors/actions. Our thoughts and how we think about ourself, others, and situations has a huge impact on how we feel and respond. CBT can help to identify and change old storylines (i.e. I'm never good enough, the world is a dangerous place) to improve self-esteem and reduce anxiety.

Coronavirus/COVID-19

No time like the present to learn skills to bring kind awareness and skillful attention to our experiences and relationships than now. My goal during the COVID-19 pandemic is to offer a virtual safe space for processing your fears and feelings, teach skills for managing stress and anxiety during this uncertain time, as well as find a sense of meaning and purpose as a source of inspiration.

LGBTQ Issues

I am passionate about working with LGBTQ-identified adults, teens, and families. I work from an affirmative framework with these populations. This means I believe it is essential to go beyond “accepting” to help individuals and families to fully understand and embrace all aspects of identity and diversity, to improve self-esteem and confidence, as well as cultivate growth and support.

Self-Esteem

My favorite line in the Desiderata poem (Max Ehrmann, 1927) is: 'Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.' It is a profound and powerful notion that you, as you already are, are valuable and worthy of love and respect. I am committed to helping others to realize and embrace this.

Anxiety

We all have anxiety to some extent and it's a good thing because it often keeps us safe. The trouble is when our system of assessment is off and we find ourselves responding to threats that may not be there or not to the extent we think they are. With a sense of understanding and kindness we can explore those worries and fears together to find a way of moving forward.

Depression

There are many factors that contribute to our mood and can lead to lasting feelings of sadness and depression. Our mood can also be impacted by how we view ourselves, others, and the world. I can help you to make adjustments to the tangible causes (i.e. feeling powerless in our current political climate) and help you to find perspective and relate to yourself with kindness and compassion.