M.S. Psychology, Villanova University; Millersville University; Individual Counseling, Couples Counseling, Family Counseling

Primary Therapist

JORDAN RAST

“If we are unhappy with our self-views, there are things we can do to change our story… Little steps can lead to big changes and all of us have the ability to act more like the person we want to be.” – Timothy D. Wilson from ‘Strangers to Ourselves’

MEET JORDAN:

Jordan’s #1 goal is to help others discover the most rewarding and enjoyable version of their life. He earned his Masters in Experimental Psychology at Villanova University. Jordan went on to work as a researcher at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania with psychologists including Angela Duckworth and Martin Seligman. He is excited to help work on active treatment planning with his clients to help them achieve their goals. From the moment client’s meet Jordan, they recognize his ability to create space for vulnerable conversations with an authentic approach that is customized to their individual needs. He integrates creative and experiential therapeutic modalities to help clients feel comfortable while gently guiding them to find a new potential path forward to healing in their lives.

     When first meeting a new client, Jordan aims to create an environment where they feel valued and understood.  He is naturally enthusiastic and encouraging, and looks to quickly set up a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Once a Rogerian person-centered environment is established, he focuses on everyday thoughts and behaviors, as these tend to be the most impactful. Taking a CBT perspective, he subscribes to the idea that if we change our thoughts and behaviors, we can dramatically change the way we feel for the better. Of course, not all problems can be fixed by present-focused CBT interventions. Sometimes we need to go back through our life story and work to process and therapeutically revise some of those significant and often painful memories. An effective way of doing this is through evidence-based writing prompts.  Jordan helps his clients integrate effective exercises to shift one’s seemingly tragic story to one of authentic redemption.

  •      In Jordan’s office, all topics of conversation are welcome - with Jordan asking for permission to address vulnerable topics such as: trauma history, sexual history, attachment style and family dynamics that may be sensitive in nature.  He believes that a caring and evidence-based approach allows his couples to heal from their pasts.  Individuals often arrive to his office with concerns about their depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, sexual concerns or communication struggles, grief & loss, and addressing LGBTQ+ concerns.  Jordan’s clients describe him as enthusiastic, friendly, and objective while being optimistic.

         He integrates creative approaches with therapeutic modalities including: Mindfulness Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Stress management coping techniques.  He is experienced in guiding conversations when emotional intensity can be high, along with families who are concerned about suicidal ideation in their child or teenager.  He is proud of his time working at TeenHope where he worked on a Suicide Prevention Initiative in the county grew up in.

         His approach in the therapy room is always client-centered focusing and learning about each person’s strengths and challenges.  Jordan helps his clients build upon the resiliency that is already within them.  He acknowledges that all of us face challenges, and he joins his clients to help them learn skills to make the challenges in life more manageable.  One of Jordan’s favorite books is The Phantom Tollbooth (Norton Juster), which is as much a mental health book as it is a children’s book. It describes the story of Milo, an aimless and dissatisfied young man whose life transforms when he discovers the magic of learning. Through curiosity, Milo realizes that life isn’t so boring after all - it’s full of wonder! Jordan embodies this same approach to life. Whenever he feels down, he reminds himself and his clients to remain curious. There is an amazing and beautiful world out there if you look closely.

         If you’ve been feeling alone or not comfortable in your skin, Jordan is here to guide the conversation: welcoming all cultural, sexual, religious/spiritual, and gender diversity.  He has systemic training to help address not only your presenting issue, but also other aspects of your life that may be contributing to any life suffering.  Working with both couples and families in his office helps address systemic issues and Jordan is here to compassionately guide them with his toolbox of clinical skills.  Jordan invites you to come into his office to learn to feel empowered and thrive by meeting your goals.

             Jordan’s favorite pastimes include: enjoying music and singing, since he’s a lifelong musician.  He plays the violin, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and piano.  He regularly enjoys writing and performing music. He’s an avid Philadelphia sports fan. Ask him anything about the Eagles, Sixers, or Phillies!  And when the weather’s nice,  you’ll find Jordan hiking and spending time in nature.  His favorite spots are in the southern end, all the way from Kelly’s Run to Climber’s Run.

Let’s Talk:

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