Dr Jason-Anthony Prendergast, LMHC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Dr Jason-Anthony Prendergast

Dr Jason-Anthony Prendergast

(he/him)

LMHC
13 years of experience
Virtual

Are you looking for happiness and joy in life? Do you long for acceptance and peace, both within yourself and in your relationships? I will help you manage your anger, anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship/marriage troubles. I provide the best tools to move beyond broken relationships, addictions, trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. Wounds from the past, including abuse, neglect, rejection, and abandonment can be healed. Through my Temperament Assessment, I will transform your life and understanding of yourself with accurate and detailed knowledge of your inborn temperaments. Knowledge is power.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Expecting to live a perfect life in such times is nearly impossible. Whether its mental, physical, or emotional everyone is dealing with some issue or will eventually. Being able to relate is crucial in counseling and I believe that my experiences will prove to be impactful and relatable in your success through counseling. Please accept my Free consultation

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have extensive experience with those seeking help with depression, trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, stress management, low self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship issues. I will work to tailor your therapy based on your situation. My goal is to help you feel understood and bring balance and harmony to your mind, body, spirit, and soul.

About Dr Jason-Anthony Prendergast

Identifies as

Specializes in

AnxietyDepressionTrauma and PTSDAnger ManagementBipolar DisorderChild or AdolescentGriefSpirituality

Serves ages

Children (6 to 12)Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Address

1451 W Cypress Creek Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33069, Suite 300

Appointments

Virtual & in-person

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach that I use to help my clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be holding them back. My goal is to provide a supportive and collaborative environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life’s challenges. What to Expect in CBT Sessions In our sessions, we work together to understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By recognizing unhelpful patterns, you gain the tools to challenge and reframe negative thoughts into more constructive and empowering ones. We focus on actionable strategies that you can use in real-life situations to reduce stress, manage emotions, and achieve your goals. How I Tailor CBT to Your Needs I believe every client is unique, so I customize CBT techniques to fit your specific needs and experiences. For example: For anxiety and stress management: We identify triggers, learn relaxation techniques, and develop practical coping strategies to regain a sense of calm and control. For depression: We explore negative thought cycles, address self-critical beliefs, and focus on building positive habits and activities that bring joy and purpose. For relationship challenges: We work on improving communication skills, managing conflict, and fostering healthier connections. For self-esteem and self-worth issues: We address the root causes of self-doubt, reframe negative self-perceptions, and focus on building confidence. Tools and Techniques I Use in CBT I incorporate a variety of CBT tools, including: Cognitive Restructuring: Helping you challenge distorted thoughts and replace them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. Behavioral Activation: Encouraging positive actions that align with your values and improve mood. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Teaching skills to stay present and manage overwhelming emotions. Homework Assignments: Simple exercises between sessions to reinforce what we’ve discussed and empower you to apply new skills in everyday life. Why CBT Works CBT is a collaborative and results-driven approach. It’s not just about talking—it’s about giving you practical tools that create lasting change. Many clients appreciate the structured and goal-oriented nature of CBT because it provides clear steps to progress and measurable improvements. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or life transitions, CBT provides a framework to help you feel more confident, resilient, and in control. Together, we can work toward achieving the changes you want to see in your life.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transformative, evidence-based approach that helps clients live more meaningful and fulfilling lives by embracing their thoughts and emotions rather than struggling to control or avoid them. With ACT, the focus is on helping you connect with your values, accept what you cannot change, and commit to actions that align with the life you want to live. What to Expect in ACT Sessions In our work together, we’ll explore your thoughts and feelings with curiosity and openness, without judgment. ACT emphasizes psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, adapt to difficult experiences, and take purposeful action. Our sessions will guide you in identifying what truly matters to you and empowering you to move toward those values, even in the face of challenges. How I Tailor ACT to Your Needs I customize ACT strategies to address your unique challenges and goals. For example: For anxiety and stress: We practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay grounded and approach distressing thoughts with acceptance rather than avoidance. For depression: We explore how avoidance behaviors might be contributing to your struggles and focus on taking small, meaningful steps toward re-engagement in life. For trauma or past hurt: We work on creating space for your feelings while reducing the emotional impact of painful memories so they no longer control your actions. For self-doubt or life transitions: We clarify your values, define what matters most to you, and take committed steps toward living in alignment with those values. Core Principles I Use in ACT ACT is based on six core principles that guide our sessions: Acceptance: Learning to make room for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or avoiding them. Cognitive Defusion: Changing how you relate to unhelpful thoughts so they have less power over you. Being Present: Using mindfulness to stay focused on the here and now, even during difficult moments. Self-as-Context: Developing a deeper understanding of your true self beyond your thoughts and emotions. Values Clarification: Identifying what matters most to you and using those values to guide your actions. Committed Action: Taking purposeful steps, even in small ways, to move toward the life you want to live. Why ACT Works ACT is a flexible and compassionate approach that focuses on what you can do rather than what you can’t control. It’s about helping you build a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling by taking actionable steps in line with your values. Clients often appreciate that ACT doesn’t require you to "fix" your thoughts or emotions but instead teaches you how to navigate them with strength and clarity. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, or struggles with self-identity, ACT provides the tools to help you stop feeling stuck and start living with purpose. Together, we’ll work to help you embrace your experiences, let go of what’s holding you back, and move toward the life you envision for yourself.

Christian Counseling

Christian counseling is a faith-based approach to therapy that integrates Biblical principles with evidence-based psychological practices. This approach allows you to address emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges while staying grounded in your faith. My goal is to create a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your struggles, find healing, and grow closer to God as you navigate life’s challenges. What to Expect in Christian Counseling In our sessions, we’ll work together to address your concerns from a Biblical perspective, while also incorporating practical tools to support emotional and relational health. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or spiritual challenges, Christian counseling provides a framework that aligns with your faith and values, guiding you toward healing and restoration. How I Integrate Faith into Counseling Faith is not just a part of your life—it’s foundational. I help you explore how your beliefs influence your thoughts, emotions, and decisions, and how God’s Word can be a source of strength and direction in difficult times. Together, we’ll explore: Biblical Truths: Applying scripture to guide your perspective and choices. Faith as a Resource: Using prayer, worship, and spiritual practices as tools for emotional and spiritual growth. God’s Purpose for Your Life: Understanding your unique identity in Christ and His plan for you, even in the midst of struggles. Common Focus Areas in Christian Counseling Anxiety and Stress: Learning to cast your burdens on God (1 Peter 5:7) and trust Him with your worries. Depression: Finding hope and purpose through scripture and spiritual practices. Relationships and Marriage: Building Christ-centered relationships through forgiveness, love, and understanding. Spiritual Growth: Deepening your relationship with God and finding peace in His presence. Grief and Loss: Navigating pain while finding comfort in God’s promises of restoration and healing. Tools and Techniques I Use Christian counseling blends Biblical wisdom with practical therapeutic tools, such as: Prayer and Reflection: Incorporating prayer and scripture into sessions to align your heart with God’s truth. Cognitive Behavioral Techniques: Challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with God’s promises and affirmations. Faith-Based Mindfulness: Practicing gratitude and presence in God’s creation. Forgiveness Work: Guided exercises to help you release resentment and move toward reconciliation. Scripture Study: Identifying relevant verses that provide encouragement and direction. Why Christian Counseling Works This approach connects your emotional and spiritual health, creating a holistic path to healing. By addressing your struggles through the lens of faith, you can find not only solutions but also purpose and peace that align with God’s plan for your life. Many clients find that integrating their faith into therapy brings deeper insights, lasting transformation, and a renewed sense of hope. If you’re looking for a counselor who will walk alongside you with empathy and understanding, while keeping Christ at the center of the journey, Christian counseling may be the right fit for you. Together, we’ll explore how to grow through life’s challenges, leaning on God’s strength and wisdom every step of the way.

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling is a collaborative and dynamic process designed to help partners improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen their connection. My approach is grounded in evidence-based techniques and enriched with Temperament Therapy, which brings a unique perspective to understanding the individual needs and dynamics within your relationship. By exploring your unique temperaments, we identify how your natural tendencies influence your interactions, needs, and emotional responses, creating a pathway for meaningful growth and connection. What to Expect in Couples Counseling Our sessions provide a safe and supportive space for both partners to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Together, we’ll explore your relationship dynamics, identify areas of strength, and address patterns or challenges that may be creating distance or tension. Using temperament therapy, we’ll go beyond surface-level issues to uncover how your innate temperaments impact your communication styles, decision-making, and emotional needs. How I Incorporate Temperament Therapy Temperament Therapy is a powerful tool that helps us understand the core of who you are and how that influences your relationship. Each partner’s temperament reflects their unique needs in three areas: Inclusion: How you interact socially and your need for connection with others. Control: How you manage power, decision-making, and responsibility. Affection: How you give and receive love and emotional closeness. By identifying and understanding each partner’s temperament, we can: Highlight each person’s strengths and how they contribute to the relationship. Address mismatches or misunderstandings in communication or emotional needs. Develop strategies that honor both partners’ needs while fostering unity. Focus Areas in Couples Counseling I tailor sessions to meet your relationship’s unique needs. Some common areas we might address include: Communication Skills: Learning to express yourself clearly and listen actively to your partner. Conflict Resolution: Understanding triggers, managing disagreements constructively, and building emotional safety. Rebuilding Trust: Working through past hurts or betrayals and fostering transparency and accountability. Intimacy and Connection: Rekindling emotional and physical intimacy and meeting each other’s love languages. Shared Goals: Defining your vision as a couple and working toward shared values and dreams. Tools and Techniques I Use Our sessions may include: Temperament Analysis: Using the APS (Arno Profile System) to uncover each partner’s temperament profile. Role-Playing Exercises: Practicing effective communication and empathy-building. Homework Assignments: Encouraging growth and connection outside of sessions, such as gratitude exercises or shared activities. Conflict Mapping: Identifying recurring patterns and exploring ways to break negative cycles. Emotion-Focused Techniques: Helping both partners recognize and respond to each other’s emotional needs. Why This Approach Works By combining the practical tools of couples counseling with the deep insights of Temperament Therapy, I empower couples to understand each other on a more profound level. This approach fosters empathy, reduces conflict, and encourages personal growth alongside relational healing

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Therapy is a gentle, yet powerful approach that helps clients develop a greater sense of awareness, acceptance, and peace in their lives. It involves cultivating the ability to stay present in the moment, observe thoughts and emotions without judgment, and respond to life’s challenges with clarity and calm. This therapy is particularly effective for reducing stress, managing emotions, and fostering resilience. What to Expect in Mindfulness-Based Therapy Sessions Our sessions will incorporate mindfulness practices that help you slow down, tune into your thoughts and feelings, and find balance amid life’s challenges. You’ll learn to approach your emotions with curiosity rather than avoidance, fostering greater self-compassion and emotional regulation. Together, we’ll explore how to integrate mindfulness into your daily life in ways that feel natural and empowering. How I Tailor Mindfulness-Based Therapy to Your Needs I adapt mindfulness practices to meet you where you are, whether you’re new to mindfulness or have some experience with it. For anxiety and stress: We’ll use mindfulness techniques to ground you in the present moment, reduce racing thoughts, and find calm in the midst of overwhelm. For depression: We’ll focus on developing nonjudgmental awareness of negative thought patterns and cultivating a sense of presence and self-compassion. For trauma or past difficulties: We’ll create a safe space to gently reconnect with your body and emotions, helping you process your experiences without becoming overwhelmed. For self-awareness and growth: We’ll deepen your understanding of your inner world and develop mindful habits that align with your values and goals. Core Practices in Mindfulness-Based Therapy In our work together, we’ll use various mindfulness techniques, including: Mindful Breathing: Learning to use your breath as an anchor to stay present and calm your mind. Body Scans: Gently observing sensations in your body to reconnect with yourself and reduce tension. Mindful Observation: Developing awareness of your thoughts and feelings without judgment or reactivity. Loving-Kindness Practice: Cultivating self-compassion and empathy for yourself and others. Mindful Journaling: Reflecting on your experiences to gain clarity and insight. Why Mindfulness-Based Therapy Works Mindfulness empowers you to respond to life’s challenges with intention rather than reaction. By increasing awareness of your thoughts and emotions, you gain the tools to break free from unhelpful patterns and create space for new possibilities. Many clients find mindfulness deeply transformative, as it fosters a sense of calm, clarity, and connection to the present moment. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply seeking greater balance and self-awareness, mindfulness offers a path to healing and growth. Together, we’ll work to integrate mindfulness into your daily life, helping you build a foundation of inner strength and resilience.