With over a decade of experience supporting both children and adults in the LGBTQ+ and autism communities, I bring deep understanding and expertise to our work together. My background includes extensive work in various settings, from schools to inpatient facilities, giving me a comprehensive perspective on mental health support. I believe in being authentic and bringing my whole self to our therapeutic relationship, including my sense of humor when appropriate. My commitment is to walk alongside you on your journey, growing and learning together as we work toward your goals. I specialize in working with transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, as well as people on the autism spectrum. My extensive experience in these areas allows me to provide tailored support that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by these communities. Transgender and gender diverse clients often navigate complex emotional landscapes, including issues related to identity, acceptance, and societal pressures. I am committed to creating a safe and affirming therapeutic environment where you can explore your gender identity and expression without judgment. I primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and expressive arts techniques to help clients address emotional challenges, build meaningful connections, and foster personal growth. Whether you're seeking support for identity exploration, relationship dynamics, or emotional regulation, my approach emphasizes collaboration, authenticity, and respect for your lived experiences. Together, we will work toward your goals in a way that honors your individuality and strengths. I help you develop effective strategies to manage overwhelming emotions and build a compassionate relationship with all parts of yourself. My approach also incorporates trauma-informed expressive arts techniques, creating multiple pathways for healing and self-discovery. Contact me to begin your journey toward emotional well-being and authentic living. I offer services in both Maryland and Virginia, providing a safe, confidential space where you can be truly yourself.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we'll introduce ourselves to one another and start to discuss some of the specific challenges you're facing, and any goals you may be hoping therapy will help you work towards. This will help me create a plan for us to follow through in future sessions. These initial sessions will be 60 minutes - they tend to move by very quickly!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in meeting my clients exactly where they are on their journey, creating a safe and supportive space for growth. I pride myself on being non-judgmental, trustworthy, and reliable, ensuring that my clients feel truly seen and heard. Advocacy is also at the heart of my work—I am deeply committed to supporting and empowering others to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Together, we can navigate life’s complexities with compassion and purpose.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I specialize in working with transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, as well as people on the autism spectrum. My extensive experience in these areas allows me to provide tailored support that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by these communities.
About Jade Vega, LCSW-C, C-DBT, ASDCS
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is designed to provide skills for managing intense emotions and negotiating social relationships; it consists of group instruction and individual therapy sessions, both conducted weekly for six months to a year. When I discovered DBT, I was immediately drawn in by the approach due to its inherent assumption that people are not 'broken' and therefore do not need 'fixing' - however, they can benefit from learning skills that help them navigate relationships more effectively, better cope with distress and emotional dysregulation, and approach life in a more balanced and mindful manner. Who can benefit from DBT? DBT has been shown to be effective for adolescents & adults with a variety of mental health difficulties. This includes: - People with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder - People with Borderline Personality Disorder - People who exhibit suicidal and self-harm behaviors - People with eating disorders - People with dependence on substances
Play Therapy
“For children, toys are their words and play is their language” - I use play and toys in general, as such, in my work with children. Anything I have in my room, I have for a specific reason so that the child can use it as a tool to express themselves in whatever way they choose to.
Sandplay
I have a virtual sandplay app, which you are welcome to explore. I am also open to using some extensive Google Slides sandtray decks I have acquired over the years. In person, I have hundreds of miniatures for sandplay that children and adults can use to express themselves. With sandplay, we are creating a space for the unconscious to manifest. This is a nonverbal intervention that I firmly believe could benefit almost anybody.
Motivational Interviewing
I was trained in my graduate program primarily on using motivational interviewing (MI), and naturally incorporate elements of it throughout my practice, especially at intakes. A 'motivational interviewer' encourages clients to talk about their need for change and their own reasons for wanting to changeThe role of the interviewer is mainly to evoke a conversation about change and commitment. The interviewer listens and reflects back the client’s thoughts so that the client can hear their reasons and motivations expressed back to them. Motivational interviewing is generally short-term counseling that requires just one or two sessions, though it can also be included as an intervention along with other, longer-term therapies.