Jonathan West-Gray

Navigating the complex landscape of religious trauma and abuse requires a compassionate guide with a unique perspective. Jonathan West-Gray, LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor, brings a distinctive blend of expertise to his practice, specializing in helping individuals heal from the effects of religious trauma and religious abuse.

Originally hailing from California, Jonathan's appreciation for cultural diversity informs his approach to therapy. He utilizes minority stress theory, a framework that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, to help clients examine their places within larger societal systems. This perspective allows Jonathan to offer a nuanced understanding of how religious experiences can intersect with other aspects of identity and social structures.

Jonathan's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Western Oregon University. This comprehensive training has equipped him with a solid foundation in treating a range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD-related issues, and trauma-related disorders. However, it was during his graduate studies that Jonathan discovered his true calling: assisting LGBTQIA2S+ individuals who have been negatively impacted by religious abuse and trauma.

In his therapeutic approach, Jonathan tailors his methods to each individual client, recognizing that every person's journey and needs are unique. He typically begins by building a solid foundation using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of counseling that emphasizes mindfulness and values-based action. From there, Jonathan incorporates other theories and modalities as appropriate, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal-Informed Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). For clients whose identities have been shaped by the arts, he also offers Art Therapy and Receptive Music Therapy, drawing on his own background as a composer, producer, and artist.

Beyond his professional life, Jonathan's personal interests contribute to the richness of his therapeutic perspective. He enjoys practicing violin, piano, and other instruments, finding that his own identity has been greatly influenced by the arts. His love for landscape design and gardening speaks to an appreciation for growth and nurturing, qualities that undoubtedly translate into his work as a therapist. Jonathan shares his life with a partner and a large family of animals, demonstrating his capacity for connection and care.

Jonathan West-Gray's practice stands as a beacon for those seeking to deconstruct internalized messages and negative core beliefs stemming from religious experiences. His combination of professional expertise, personal background, and diverse therapeutic tools offers clients a comprehensive and personalized approach to healing and self-discovery.