Jonathan Slusher
Child & Teen Mentor & Coach
jonathan@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x27
Supervisor: Linda Meyer
Locations: Half Moon Bay
Fee: $170
Areas of Focus:
Languages: Bilingual in English & German, Proficient in French
Children / Teens: Resilience, Self Worth, Anxiety, Worry, Existential Worry, OCD, Intrusive Thoughts, Coping Skills, Accessible Mindfulness
Modalities: Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, , Strength Based, Play Therapy, Gestalt, Relational / Humanistic
Child and Teen Coaching: Coaching differs from therapy in that it is more action oriented. Coaching does not provide introspective processing of past experiences or trauma. It does not explore the root causes of why we are the way we are. Instead coaching provides a more straightforward, goal oriented approach to positive change and personal success.
Children and teens often know that they feel unfulfilled or stuck, but can't pinpoint why. Helping clients to find what they even want for themselves is something that coaching can provide through a goal oriented skills based approach.
Once clients have a clear sense and purpose a coach can advocate, motivate, and support them in realizing a goal that they created for themselves. So often the wants and needs of others becomes entangled in our own. This is especially true when working with kids and teens who are disproportionately affected by the frenetic pace of the technological experience and social media.
It can be easy to forget how to differentiate personal goals and values from the expectations and assumptions of those around them.
Jonathan has worked with young children and teens as a teacher, youth sports coach, stay at home father, and school based mental health counselor. He is passionate about motivating and supporting youth to change their personal narrative and realize their potential. He especially enjoys providing an accessible space for youth who are less comfortable with expressing themselves and their emotions with words. He strives to help his clients feel confident in who they are as individuals.
Jonathan helps clients to learn to advocate for themselves in a compassionate way. Kindness is not weakness and this includes being kind to ourselves. Such positive change can be transformative and it enriches not only the client but also their peers, families, and community.
Overall Description: I believe that therapy is a process, a journey, and a practice which works towards nurturing an ability to access a full range of emotions. The overwhelm of the modern human technological experience, materialism, and nihilism leads us away from nurturing a truer connection to ourselves. To search for personal meaning and purpose separate from the static noise of outside expectation is something that I believe can be very healing.
In working with children and teens I sincerely enjoy normalizing therapy for those who are hesitant or skeptical of sharing their feelings. Many find it difficult to verbalize their own experience and emotions. Problems with expressing feelings and needs can exacerbate struggles with social anxiety and self worth. It is my goal to create a safe, collaborative space to allow for the deeper—sometimes uncomfortable— exploration that is often necessary for lasting transformative change.
Unconditional positive regard is an aspect of therapy that I feel is essential. I believe that a strong male presence can also be gentle and kind. Redefining vulnerability, empathy, and compassion as strengths rather than weaknesses can be very therapeutic especially when working with young children and teens struggling with regulating strong emotions.
I also work with Gracie, a therapy dog certified through the Peninsula Humane Society. Gracie has hundreds of hours experience working in Hospitals, assisted living facilities, hospice, and school settings. For several years Gracie has been the therapy dog for the San Mateo County Medical Center. She is also well known around Half Moon Bay as the therapy dog for the Cabrillo Unified School District and local library. Gracie loves her job and is very helpful in creating a safe, comfortable space especially when working with young children and teens. And Gracie also likes taking breaks, so it is always ok to let me know if you have allergies or just want some time without Gracie for any reason.
Experience:
School based psychotherapist at public elementary, middle, and high schools.
Earth Science and Biology teacher
20 + seasons of youth soccer and baseball coach
15+ years as a stay at home father (several years spent abroad in France and Germany)
Education:
MA Counseling Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies
BS Environmental Science, Stockton College
MS Environmental Science, University of New Haven
Connecticut State Teaching Certification Earth Science and Biology (7-12)