Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) who's been practicing for the past 7 years. I primarily work with adults who may be struggling with a variety of issues: anxiety, depression, work stress/career transitions, ADHD/ADD, anger management, and eating disorders. I have a passion for working with adults dealing with issues related to their relationship with food and/or body image concerns - finding myself serving as a co-chair of the Male Eating Disorder Special Interest Group (SIG) for the Academy for Eating Disorders.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I enjoy creating a safe space where you can freely articulate your thoughts without judgement, and we can connect on a deep level. Oftentimes, you may perceive me taking on the role of a compassionate and empathetic coach who will stand by the sidelines cheering you on--patiently reminding you of your strengths as well as the strategies we've thoughtfully crafted during our sessions and encouraging you to take on the challenges despite feelings of self-doubt, uncertainty, and fear that can often arise.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Acknowledgement that I am not the expert. I may comprehend the evidence-based treatment models, referencing manuals/books that share interventions that are research-based, and allocating years of study to get to this point in my career; however, it doesn't mean that it could be applicable to you. I see this shared space more as a partnership - where we both will adopt a lens of curiosity, thoughtfully create experiments to try until our next session, and evaluate what sticks and what doesn't stick. Hopefully, there will be a few that will stick and that will personally be your plan specifically tailored to your needs. I am also flexible with regards to communication styles. There are many moments when clients have asked me to remain more assertive, provide direct/straightforward feedback, and to essentially call things out. I have others who have asked to me to more of a back-seat, ask open-ended questions and to encourage them to draw their own conclusions on their own. I understand that people have different preferences and needs and it is my responsibility to attentively listen in order to be an effective therapist.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I appreciate working with adults who are eager and willing to do the deep-work to foster a chance to make positive changes in their day to day. I tend to disclose to my clients that therapy is difficult and absolutely not an easy task, but if the willingness is present to remain vulnerable, then the outcomes tend to be very fulfilling and satisfying.
About Jon Dang
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past seven years. It has helped clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have used ACT in my practice to help clients develop "psychological flexibility" by teaching them to accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to control them, and instead, focus on taking action aligned with their core values to live a meaningful life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I believe that one can identify what it means to "build a life that is worth living" and I personally resonate with DBT's underlying principles: encourage clients to see different perspectives and find balance between acceptance and change; teaching concrete skills like identifying emotions, labeling thoughts, using relaxation techniques, and setting boundaries; validating clients' emotions and experiences, creating a safe space to share their struggles without judgment.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Collaboratively defining specific, measurable, achievable goals that are aligned with the client's desired outcomes. Seeing the shared space as a partnership and working together to cultivate a lens of curiosity, create in-depth experiments and identify what works and what doesn't work for each client.
Motivational Interviewing
A variety of techniques and/or methods to effectively communicate with clients and to meet them at where they are without judgment.