Jay Thomas, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist – PSY32701
Child & Adolescent Specialty Practice
Pronouns: They / Them / Theirs
Hello and welcome! I work as a therapist in the Institute’s Child and Adolescent Specialty Program (CASP). As a clinician who believes in providing children and families with the tools they need to thrive, I believe therapy can be a space where folks can learn how to cope with difficult emotions or experiences and find new ways to move through the world.
I have a particular passion for working alongside marginalized youth and their parents. My approach tends to be client centered, meaning that I hope to build on your existing strengths and offer a space where you can discover new ways of coping that work best for you. In therapy, I tend to incorporate a variety of interventions including mindfulness, grounding techniques, self-monitoring, as well as play and narrative therapy techniques to help clients reach their goals for treatment.
I love to support clients as they work through identity development questions and learn ways to advocate for themselves. Similarly, I also deeply value helping folks develop new strategies for coping with challenging emotions or oppressive experiences, as well as discover healthier ways to be in relationship with others. As I wrap up this intro, I’d love to add one final note: I’m so glad you’re here. I know that seeking out new services can be challenging – so whenever anyone takes that first step, it’s worth celebrating. I can’t wait to meet you and get started.
Specialties:
- LGBTQ affirming care
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social skills
- Self-esteem / Self-confidence
- Body Image and Disordered Eating
- Trauma recovery
- Nuero-divergence & Disability
- Mindfulness
- ADHD Treatment
- Psychological assessment
Presentations and Workshops:
- Weekly webinars for mental wellness during the Covid-19 pandemic
- Panel for mental health professionals on Ableism and disabled pride
- Workshops for teens: social justice and mental health
Advanced Training:
- Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Mindfulness
Prior Experience:
- Rockwell Psychological Services
- Pacific Clinics
- Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services
- The Wright Institute Sanctuary Project
- Through the Looking Glass
Education:
- Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, The Wright Institute
- Master of Arts in Psychology, The Wright Institute
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature, University of California, Los Angeles
Mission:
My mission is to create a safe space in which children, adolescents and their families can engage in self-discovery and build resilience in the face of marginalization or difficult life experiences.
Email: JThomas@IFGD.care
Phone: 626-585-8075 ext.155
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