Justin Less (Him/His)

I have extensive training and experience working with clients struggling with traumatic stress. The key to overcoming trauma is to activate the traumatic stress within a healing and restorative relationship. With client suffering from traumatic stress reactions, we process the ways in which trauma gets trapped in the body and ways to release its grip. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a very effective approach we may apply.

CBT is at the foundation of much of my work with clients. What we think becomes the dominant force in our lives and I firmly believe that life is created from the inside out (how we view life becomes what we see). I have seen first hand, the transformation that takes place in clients' lives when they become aware of their thought/belief patterns. This awareness allows for newfound freedom to modify thought patterns and engage in new patterns that promote growth and well-being.

ACT compliments my work in CBT, and although some view the philosophies of each model as conflicting, I synthesize both models and feel both perspectives are of great value. In ACT, we explore what most matters to you, what offers your life the greatest satisfaction and meaning. Later, we learn how to manage painful thoughts, emotions, and sensation in order to promote psychological flexibility.

I work extensively with the LGBTQAI community. In addition to offering comprehensive mental health therapy to this community, I also offer advocacy and support for gender affirming medical interventions and offer letters of support.

Clients with anxiety are not alone, this is the most common mental health condition people experience. Fortunately, I have worked with thousands of clients with anxiety and can offer a clear and sensible way to reclaim your sense of security and safety.

Having started my career in a school based mental health program, I continue to maintain a special interest in working with adolescents. My adolescent clients tell me they feel that I treat them with the respect and dignity that every individual should receive----that I don't talk down to them or view them as immature because of their age. Adolescent clients continue to inspire me through their willingness and motivation to pursue new ideas that allow for better living.