Jonathan Ugalde, LPC
Jonathan Ugalde is originally from Johnstown, NY (a small town nearby Saratoga & Albany). Jon believes life holds an immeasurable amount of lessons to be learned through our experience and interactions with others. Jon utilizes a holistic, eclectic, and experiential approach to mental health. Jon highlights the importance of balancing all eight dimensions of wellness (emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social) while introducing experiential challenges to highlight lessons and develop mastery of appropriate skills. Jon highlights what needs and desires are motivating in the moment while developing longer term motivation from the development of autonomy of self, competence of skill, and relatedness to others. Jon practices with an open, honest, and reflective counseling style that pushes clients to work to be their best and true selves through collaborative discussion, practice, and accountability.
Jon is a trauma informed, person-centered, and systemic therapist believing in the power our experiences and relationships have on us. Jon’s clinical experience has been with those who are going through “Life’s Transitions” including those who are struggling in adolescence due to substance use or another mental health concern, college students whose mental health inhibits their success, parents working to develop their parenting skills, identity concerns (gender, sexuality, etc.), and those who are transitioning from active addiction and substance abuse to recovery and remission. Jon has additional clinical experience working with individual dealing with depression, anxiety, communication issues, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and more.
Specialties
Jon’s clinical experience has led to specializing in working with individuals who struggle with social skills (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.), substance use and addiction struggles, depression, panic/anxiety, stress management, relationship issues, and life transitions. Jon enjoys working with individuals, couples, groups, and families.
Treatment Modalities
Jon uses a strengths based approach and utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are influenced by the impact of social learning, attachment, and the supports in place for the individual. Progress is achieved in therapy by focusing on behaviors (Behavior Modification), thoughts (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), motivation (Motivational Interviewing), recognizing the barriers and reality of our situation (Reality Therapy), and focusing on solutions and problem solving (Solution Focused Therapy). In addition, Jon focuses on the development of resilience to overcome adverse childhood experiences and the future impacts of traumatic, and crisis experiences through the Five Pillars of Resilience and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Education
Bachelors of Arts, Alfred University, 2013
Counseling/Clinical Psychology with minors in Theatre and MusicMasters of Science in Education, Alfred University, 2015
Counseling with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling