LMHC, 20 years of experience
Jonathan is a dedicated mental health counselor with a deep passion for guiding individuals through healing and personal growth. With a background in both counseling and ministry, he specializes in working with clients facing anxiety, depression, PTSD/CPTSD, trauma, grief, and relational challenges. Using an integrative approach that includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), he helps clients discover their inner strengths and build resilience. Jonathan provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore challenges, overcome barriers, and achieve lasting transformation. His compassionate, value-based approach empowers individuals to find hope, healing, and fulfillment in their lives.
In the first session, clients can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where they can share their concerns at their own pace. Jonathan will take time to understand their background, current challenges, and goals for therapy, using a collaborative approach to develop a personalized treatment plan. This session is also an opportunity to establish trust, discuss therapy methods like ACT, CBT, or IFS, and set expectations for their healing journey.
Jonathan’s greatest strengths as a provider lie in his trauma-informed expertise, faith-based approach, and deep commitment to client-centered care. With specialized training in ACT, CBT, and IFS, he helps individuals navigate PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges while integrating positive psychology and mindfulness to foster resilience. His background in ministry allows him to blend spiritual guidance with evidence-based methods, making him uniquely suited for faith-based clients seeking both psychological and spiritual healing. As a military veteran, he brings a deep understanding of the struggles faced by service members and their families, offering empathetic and tailored support for combat trauma and reintegration challenges. Above all, Jonathan creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel valued, empowered, and supported as they work toward lasting transformation.
Jonathan specializes in trauma-informed counseling, working with individuals healing from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges using approaches like ACT, CBT, and IFS. With a background in ministry and military service, he is uniquely positioned to support veterans, faith-based clients, and those navigating grief and loss. His compassionate, value-driven approach empowers clients to overcome barriers, discover inner strength, and achieve lasting transformation.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a proven approach that helps individuals manage difficult thoughts and emotions while building a fulfilling life based on their values. Instead of trying to eliminate distressing feelings, ACT teaches skills to accept them, reduce their impact, and take meaningful action. This therapy is especially helpful for those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or self-doubt from past experiences. By focusing on mindfulness and personal values, ACT empowers individuals to move forward with confidence and resilience.
CBT is used in practice to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with more balanced and adaptive beliefs. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and mindfulness improve emotional regulation, resilience, and motivation. By setting realistic goals and using structured interventions like exposure therapy and journaling, clients develop long-term coping strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and trauma-related distress.
The Gottman Method is used in practice to strengthen relationships by improving communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection between partners. It involves techniques such as **the "Love Maps" exercise**, **the Four Horsemen antidotes**, and **building a culture of appreciation** to foster trust and intimacy. By helping couples recognize negative interaction patterns and replace them with positive behaviors, the method enhances relationship stability and satisfaction.
Christian counseling integrates biblical principles with psychological techniques to address emotional and spiritual well-being. It helps clients find healing and guidance through prayer, scripture, and faith-based encouragement while also using evidence-based methods like CBT or solution-focused therapy. By fostering a Christ-centered perspective, it promotes resilience, forgiveness, and personal growth, helping clients align their thoughts and behaviors with their faith.
3 ratings with written reviews
August 16, 2025
Johnathan Pawson made us feel safe and seen from day one, gently offering simple tools—scripts, check-ins, a bit of homework—that turned hard talks into real progress. We leave each session lighter, kinder to each other, and genuinely hopeful.
July 27, 2025
Review will only let me choose two options, but he’s very open minded, intelligent, warm and direct and humorous as well. Highly recommend & very excited to continue working with him.
June 26, 2025
Johnathan was very informative about his experience and gave us some great options on how to move forward.