“There exists a whole wide-open world in which there are people who are willing and wanting to receive you as your fully authentic self. Don’t let fear win.”
Dani Jones, Professional Counseling Associate (R7807)
Supervisor: Michelle Engblom-Deglmann, PhD and LMFT, license #T1004.
My Approach
I take an integrative approach to therapy, utilizing Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I believe that there is great significance found in identifying the different parts that make up who we are as people, and in sharing the story that has brought each person to where they are currently. I also value helping to identify those things that have protected my clients in their lives, but no longer do so in ways that are helpful, and then working together to explore new ways of processing emotions, relationships, and parts of themselves that perhaps have not been given attention in the past.
About Me
I received my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University. I also earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from George Fox University in 2012. I have received specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention through my time working as a Graduate Student Intern at NW Anxiety Institute. I have also completed coursework in Play Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Family Therapy, and additional training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Eating Disorders.
Beyond the Therapist…
I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for my entire life, have traveled to Thailand more than any other location, have three Nigerian Dwarf goats (Anna, Hazel, and Hermione), and will be found hiking, building legos, assisting in graduate level counseling courses, and updating my sprinkle collection, in my free time.
Why is it called LionJai Counseling?
When I think about some of the experiences that have been most formative in my life, I think about the time that I have spent in Thailand, and the many Thai people who have since become my friends. The word “Jai” (j - eye) means “heart” in Thai. Together, LionJai means “lion heart”; what I believe is required of people to live in this world well - a heart that is brave (or willing to be), that trusts others to be brave for them (when they are unable to be so for themselves), that is fierce with intention, and yet gentle in heart.