Counseling//about Jon
Welcome to my website! Feel free to browse around... I am hoping to provide you with needed information and help you get to know me a bit better.
What is your counseling philosophy?
It's been said that we are all doing the best we can. I believe this to be true. Yet sometimes our best isn't quite enough. That's where therapists come in. We help bridge the uncomfortable distance between 'best' and 'not good enough'. I bring focus, kindness and humor to my counseling sessions with the purpose
to help you meet your goals.
But, why do I do what I do? I know better!
I think our difficulties stem from ineffective, self-taught coping mechanisms. Our behavioral or emotional tools may work well in one area of our life, but not so well in others. We may have created them at a time they were very useful, but are now outmoded. My trained eye serves to uncover these prehistoric tools.
Think about it... learning from a novice is a lot like taking driving lessons from a first grader. They may be able to read the instructions, but haven't actually done it themselves. Plus they are too small to reach the gas and to see over the steering wheel at the same time. Is this a great person to take advice from?
To further complicate matters, we are social beings - so must interact with others. So, we place our 'best' with another's 'best'... and we quickly create a recipe for miscommunication, or worse, disaster! (Flashback to the first grader actually driving the car... yikes!)
But I AM doing my best, Jon!
Because we believe we are doing our 'best', it's really really frustrating when our partner, children or parents don't understand what we are saying or doing. We are left feeling unheard and tend to express ourselves through displays of anger, sadness, rebellion, or withdrawal. Although these are effective coping mechanisms, practiced behaviors, alternative methods of communication exist. When we are understood, all parties involved feel heard and respected.
How will this help me?
I teach tested and proven communication methods. Of course, its hard work, and no-one is perfect, but with dedication and commitment, you can experience fulfilling intra and inter-personal relationships.
Areas of Emphasis
Motivation/Focus
One of my favorite things to do is find out what makes us humans tick. I bring passion and insight to individuals struggling with motivation. Through individual work and group forums, I've helped many people learn what truly motivates them.
Pre-Marital/Couples Short-Term Learning Series
In this six session series ($450), we explore everything from the meaning of money to hidden family rules. The series helps couples discuss topics previously off-limit, shedding insight into our partners reasons for doing what they do. Learning to communicate with your partner can be one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world. Sometimes, we need a trained ear to translate the gobbledygook coming from the alien sitting on the other side of the couch... and that's what I do! (Translate, that is, not agree that they are, in fact, said alien!)
Bullying/Assertiveness
More than 7,600 students, teachers and parents have heard my approach to standing up for oneself. I provide anti-bullying support through my organization, not-the-target.
School Based Counseling
I hire, train and manage trainees and interns at a non-profit agency. Read more about it in the OC Register article.
What to do?
While there is (of course) no easy answer telling us "What to do", counseling offers help in opening communication lines and finding out the hidden reasons we do what we do.
I look forward to working with you.
