What does therapy look like with you?

Therapy (or counseling) lasts for 50-minutes, and identifies the problems that you struggle with most. We will seek out and start to create solutions that have long-lasting effects. We’ll also set a treatment plan to design our course of action together. Typical sessions will include feedback from me and homework assignments. I encourage clients to take some risks in session and generally be open to self-exploration.

I’ve been diagnosed with depression. Do you work with conditions of anxiety and depression?

Yes I do. I conceptualize problems as being more holistic than just as a diagnosis (e.g. anxiety or depression). The symptoms of those diagnoses are part of a bigger whole, and, although I address those symptoms, I strive to work with you as a person. Some of the reasons that we stay trapped in anxiety and depression have to do with behaviors, feelings and thoughts that we continue to create. I can help you to become aware of and change that cycle inside of you.

What are the risks to working with you?

One risk is exposing your emotions and feelings in counseling sessions with me. Exposing your emotions and feelings can sometimes lead to feeling worse initially, but have long lasting benefits. These adverse feelings are temporary, and, if processed properly in counseling, will lead to greater happiness. You won’t have to be burdened with them in the same way in the future.

How often do I need to come?

My clients generally visit me once a week or every other week. This way, the counseling stays continuous, and you can get better sooner.

I’m a woman. Will you work with me?

Of course. I work with women individually and in couples, and am happy to talk with you about your individual concerns.

I think that the problem is my wife or girlfriend, but she doesn’t want to come in. What should I do?

That may be true, and ultimately, if the problem is hers, she may want to seek counseling when she is ready. For now, if you’re interested in helping your relationship, you are probably struggling with the effects of her problems, which we can work on in counseling together.

Relationships are always two-way streets - both partners create their own share of issues in a problematic relationship.

My relationship is ending. Can you save it?

Although I can help, I cannot guarantee that working with me will save your relationship. Sometimes, clients contact me when it is too late for a relationship to survive, let alone thrive. If we cannot save your relationship, we can work together to help you so that you can create a different type of relationship next time.

How long will it take to see results from counseling with you?

This is hard to say, because it is based on how strong your commitment is to change, and how open you are to making some changes. Often times, clients who work with me report improvements in a few sessions. More difficult issues take longer, as there is deeper work to be done. This can sometimes take weeks, or months.

Do you accept insurance for your counseling sessions?

I don’t take insurance, but can also provide you with a superbill (receipt with insurance codes), that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, but you would need to check with your provider and see what your out-of-network benefits are before entering into counseling. You would pay me directly, and then I would email you the superbill for the reimbursement on your own.

What are your credentials and training?

Jason has a Master’s degree in Psychology, with a counseling emphasis. He is a licensed through the State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health (AZ-11914). He has extensive graduate and post-graduate training. Jason's orientation is in Gestalt Therapy, which stresses seeing the client as a whole person and working through problems experientially.

Maria is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has been practicing for 28 years. She is trained in family mental health, as well as in Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Resilience Therapy. She’s always seeking new learning opportunities in her clinical work with clients, and enjoys working with couples and individuals in attaining healthy, loving relationships with their partners, and with themselves.

I’m on medication for depression. Will being on medication interfere with our work together?

No, it won’t. Taking an antidepressant and doing therapy are both recommended in the treatment of depression. There is no conflict in doing both, and is encouraged. Continue to communicate with your doctor or psychiatrist about your antidepressant or anti anxiety medication.

How do I pick the right counselor for me?

This is a difficult question to answer. In researching, it’s important to make sure that your therapist is licensed through the State of Arizona. It’s also important to know what their “style” or “orientation” is to therapy, as the approaches to counseling are varied and effective for different people. It’s important to ask that professional how they are able to help you, and if they specialize in working with your unique problem.

It’s really important to have the right “fit” with the counselor you choose, because you will be opening yourself up and developing a relationship built on trust and confidentiality. Sometimes, like in life, relationships work because they “just fit” for you. When it feels like too much work, or that your counselor doesn’t understand you, maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.

How will I know if the counseling is working?

You should start to see marked improvements in your mental well-being, and may not experience the same types of problems that you had previously been dealing with, or to a lesser degree. Your friends or loved ones may comment to you that you seem improved. Maybe you’re having less struggle or conflict with your wife or girlfriend. You might have an inner sense that something is different and better, and develop greater awareness from your counseling sessions as a result.