Overview
Hello and welcome. My name is Jonathan Pappas and I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist. My number one goal is to help you create the life you envision. I want to understand your concerns to help you heal and grow. Therapy is not easy and will not always feel good. With that said, I believe in your ability to change. It might only take a few sessions, or the process may be longer. Our past has conditioned us, and research shows that change takes time. We need to practice new behavior for an average of 66 days to create new habits (Lally, 2009). See link for more information: http://repositorio.ispa.pt/bitstream/10400.12/3364/1/IJSP_998-1009.pdf
Focus
While I utilize many treatment modalities such as Family Systems, Play and Attachment therapies, I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT focuses on teaching and coaching new coping skills to manage life stress. DBT also uses exposure therapy to support recovery from trauma and other problem behaviors. Listed below are the DBT skill sets.
Core mindfulness
Foundational coping skills to increase awareness of behavior. Awareness is the first step in the process of change.
Distress Tolerance
Coping skills to help you tolerate and accept the pain that life presents.
Emotion Regulation
Skills that focus on reducing vulnerability to negative emotions and increasing pleasant experiences.
interpersonal effectiveness
Skills that support you reaching goals, maintaining relationships, and improving the relationship with yourself.
“Even if you stumble and fall down, it doesn’t mean you’ve chosen the wrong path.”
Zen buddhist
Experience
Over the past 12 years, I have worked with many populations including children, adolescents, adults, seniors, families, and couples. While I work with many populations, I specialize working with adolescents and their families.
I have interned as the clinical coordinator for a nonprofit serving children and families in the child welfare system. I have also worked with the homeless population, many of whom suffered from psychotic disorders and substance abuse issues. Most recently, I was the clinical program director at an outpatient adolescent treatment facility.
I now work full time in my private practice. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.