LPCC, 5 years of experience
New to Grow
My name is Jared and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I have 5 years of professional experience as an individual therapist, family therapist and clinical case manager. I have a school counseling credential and experience working with middle school through 12th grade students, in public schools and young adults who transition into adulthood (TAY). My expertise is helping reduce maladaptive behaviors, anxiety, stress, depression, family conflict, coaching parents, increasing motivation, building a healthy self-esteem, and being self-efficient. I believe life is suffering and the end of suffering. My clinical objective is to build a safe space for you to gain insight, build self-awareness, and provide compassion to feel liberated. Therapy helps individuals recognize the roots of their suffering, let go of attachment, and develop mindfulness. While ultimate freedom lies in awakening, worldly tools like therapy can support the path by helping individuals heal, grow, and act with greater clarity, compassion, and responsibility.
In our first meeting, I will listen with presence and compassion, seeking to understand the suffering/challenges that brings you here, the paths you have already walked, and the intention you hold for this journey. Together, we will build a therapeutic alliance —setting the ground for trust, rapport, and shared purpose. In the sessions that follow, we will work on establishing goals and action steps. As insight deepens, we remain open and flexible—adapting the way as conditions change, always returning to the heart of your unfolding liberation.
One who guides others on the path must do so with both wisdom and compassion. With an open heart and curious mind, I meet each being as they are, honoring the truth of their experience. I offer structure as a raft upon the waters of change, and accountability as a mirror for one’s own intention. Drawing from skillful means rooted in understanding, I adapt the teachings to suit each individual’s nature, goals, and unfolding path. In this way, the journey becomes not fixed, but alive—an evolving practice of presence, insight, and liberation from the causes of suffering. Hablo Español tambien, Native Spanish speaker.
I specialize in working with children, teens, young adults, parents/caregivers and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, instilling motivation, conflict, interpersonal conflict, romantic challenges, self-esteem issues and life transitions. As one committed to the path of liberation, I walk beside you with empathy and compassion. Together, we bring mindful attention to your intentions, setting wise and skillful goals rooted in your highest good. With right effort, we take steady, purposeful steps, observing the causes and conditions that support or hinder progress. When obstacles arise, we do not judge, but inquire with gentle curiosity, adjusting our course with wisdom and care. In this way, our journey becomes not only one of achievement, but of deeper understanding, balance, and freedom from suffering. Let us cultivate the path, step by step, together.
CBT focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thoughts (e.g., "I'm a failure"). These distorted thoughts are often linked to the persona—the mask or role we play in society. Negative automatic thoughts may arise when the persona becomes rigid or over-identified with societal expectations, leading to a disconnect from the authentic self. CBT helps a person recognize that their self-worth isn't solely tied to external validation or roles, allowing for a healthier persona that aligns more with the Self.
Existential therapy helps people explore deep questions about life, like purpose, freedom, death, and meaning. Think of it as a way to help face the "big questions" rather than just fix symptoms. It’s not about giving answers but guiding people to find their own truth. Existential therapy helps clients to accept uncertainty, take responsibility for choices, and live more authentically. It’s influenced by philosophers like Sartre and Kierkegaard. It's an opportunity to blend psychology with philosophy, focusing on what it means to be human in a complex, often uncertain world.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach that helps people explore and resolve ambivalence about change. Think of it as a collaborative conversation style that strengthens a person’s motivation and commitment. Instead of telling you what to do, the therapist will guide them to find their own reasons for change. It’s client-centered, empathetic, and respectful of autonomy. Key techniques include open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summarizing. MI is especially useful in areas like addiction, maladaptive behaviors, and lifestyle change, where people often feel stuck. It’s about helping clients move from “I might” to “I will.”