Justin (he/him) believes his role as a therapist is to fully accept his clients for whoever they are. All therapeutic work is dependent upon this foundation. No two people are the same, and neither is their suffering. In order to understand a client’s unique difficulties, Justin finds it necessary to drop all assumptions about them and their lives from the start of therapy. Justin wants to accurately understand his client’s worldview, and if he is doing his job correctly, his clients should feel like they are being genuinely heard. 

Experience

Justin enjoys helping people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-worth and unresolved relationship trauma. Justin also understands that some clients come to therapy without a concrete description of their difficulties. Life is complicated, and sometimes clients need a space to figure out what is most troubling them. Justin’s therapeutic approach draws from Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. 

Justin’s Message to Individuals

“Welcome. I don’t know what brings you to therapy, but I’m glad to offer you my help. I see psychotherapy as a series of meaningful dialogues between two people that can reduce suffering and lead to self-knowledge. I find that some people come to therapy ready to make a change, while others are unsure if change is even possible for them. My job is to meet you wherever you are, skillfully listen, and offer you suggestions to begin feeling better. 

I firmly believe that human beings have a built-in capacity to adapt to hardship. My aim in therapy is to create conditions that will facilitate this growth process. I strive to be accepting, honest, and compassionate. I fully recognize that psychological problems can be stubborn and complicated to work with. It is not my intention to offer you a “quick fix” or a pre-packaged treatment. As I see it, therapy is less about problem solving and more about carefully approaching our difficult emotions. 

I enjoy working with clients who are open to the idea of exploring the root causes of their suffering, whether that be trauma, relationships, or their relationship with themselves. Therapy is an opportunity to examine our humanity and work toward living more meaningful lives.”

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

• Master of Social Work, Newman University, Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC)

• Clinical Social Work Candidate