Jonathan Kee

My decision to become a counselor grew out of my own experiences and a desire to better understand the people around me. Growing up, I saw firsthand how emotional struggles, especially those left unspoken, could affect not only an individual but an entire family. My father served in the Marine Corps, and while I heard stories about his experiences and friendships, I didn't fully understand how those experiences had shaped him. It wasn't until I took my first psychology course in college that I began to see things differently. I started to understand my father, my family, and even myself in ways I hadn't before. That experience sparked something in me. I realized how powerful understanding can be and how much of a difference it can make in someone's life. I became a counselor because I wanted to offer others that same opportunity: to better understand themselves, make sense of their experiences, and recognize that their circumstances don't have to determine their future. I believe people deserve the opportunity to grow, make their own choices, and create meaningful change in their lives.

I work best with individuals navigating anxiety, grief, and depression. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, struggling to find your footing after a loss, or experiencing the weight of depression, I understand that these challenges can affect every part of your life, including your relationships, sense of self, and outlook on the future. I enjoy working with people who want to better understand themselves and their experiences, even if they're unsure where to begin. I recognize that everyone comes into counseling at a different place, and I don't believe there's a single approach that works for everyone. My goal is to meet you where you are, provide a space for honest conversations, and help you recognize patterns, explore new perspectives, and build on your strengths. I believe meaningful progress comes from understanding yourself and making intentional choices. My role is to support and challenge you while giving you the freedom to determine what growth and healing look like in your own life.

One thing I wish every client knew is that therapy isn't about having someone fix your problems or tell you how to live your life. It's about having a space to better understand yourself, explore your experiences, and recognize the choices available to you. Progress isn't always linear, and meaningful change doesn't happen overnight. There will be moments of growth, setbacks, and uncertainty, and that's part of being human. I believe therapy is most valuable when the insights we gain through our conversations begin to translate into intentional actions in everyday life. Ultimately, my goal isn't for you to depend on therapy, but to leave feeling more confident in your ability to navigate life's challenges, make decisions that align with your values, and move forward on your own terms.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brought you to counseling. I'll ask questions about your experiences, the challenges you're facing, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Just as importantly, I want to hear your story in your own words. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. During our early sessions, we'll work together to identify your goals, explore patterns that may be contributing to your struggles, and begin developing practical strategies that fit your needs. Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, or depression, I believe therapy should be a collaborative process where you have a voice in the direction we take. My goal is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself, asking questions, and having honest conversations. We'll move at a pace that respects your experiences while working toward intentional, meaningful progress. I see my role as a partner in that process, offering support, perspective, and guidance while empowering you to make choices that align with your goals and values

Growing up, I saw firsthand how the struggles we carry, especially those we don't talk about, can affect not only ourselves but also the people closest to us. My father served in the Marine Corps, and while I grew up hearing stories about his service, it took me years to begin understanding how those experiences shaped him and our family. That realization taught me something I've carried into my work as a counselor: there's often much more to a person's story than what we see on the surface. Those experiences shaped my belief in the importance of empathy, curiosity, and understanding others without judgment. I've learned that people are shaped by their experiences, but they don't have to be defined by them. In my practice, I value honesty, authenticity, and personal autonomy. I believe everyone deserves to be heard and respected, even when their experiences or perspectives differ from my own. I also believe that understanding ourselves is only part of the process. Meaningful growth comes when we begin making intentional choices and taking steps toward the lives we want to build. Ultimately, I don't see my role as telling clients who they should be or how they should live. My role is to walk alongside them, offer perspective, challenge them when appropriate, and support them in discovering what healing and progress mean to them.

I believe that no two people experience life's challenges in exactly the same way, so therapy shouldn't look the same for everyone. Even when individuals are facing similar struggles with anxiety, grief, or depression, their experiences, perspectives, and goals can be very different. I begin by taking the time to understand who you are, what you've experienced, and what matters most to you. From there, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SolutionFocused Therapy, and Gestalt techniques to develop an approach that fits your individual needs. For some clients, that means identifying unhelpful thought patterns and developing practical coping strategies. For others, it may involve processing difficult emotions, exploring personal experiences, or identifying strengths and solutions to current challenges. I also recognize that your needs and goals may change throughout therapy. I regularly check in about what's working, what isn't, and whether we're moving in a direction that feels meaningful to you. Ultimately, I believe you should have an active voice in your counseling experience. My role is to provide support, perspective, and guidance while helping you make informed choices, take actionable steps, and create intentional progress toward the goals you've identified for yourself.