Jonathan Flores, M.S., LPC-Associate

Hello and welcome to your new space, one where you are encouraged to set down the emotional baggage weighing you down.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate fascinated by emotions and their transformative powers. My work is based on Emotion Focused Therapy, where self understanding is the first step in identifying and achieving the changes you want to see in yourself.

As a teen, I would find myself struggling in naming my emotions, leading to confusion in knowing what it was that I needed to thrive. Through trial and many errors, I was fortunate enough to have had a supportive network that encouraged emotional identification and expression. Music and movies added to this process, as naming songs that best explain emotions, or movie scenes that sum up confusing thoughts always provided comfort and relief. Just because you carry something well does not mean you have to carry it alone. My hope is that we can work together in expanding your emotional awareness, leading to meaningful conversations and self understanding to achieve your goals so you no longer have to carry your baggage alone.

Coming from a Hispanic/Latino background has also informed me of the cultural barriers in accessing mental health services. Cultural norms perpetuate the ideas of emotional suppression, self-sacrificing behaviors, and family harmony that may be unhealthy. Straddling two cultures contributes to this baggage, as we may receive mixed messages from different communities regarding gender roles, gender identity and expression, sexuality, and spirituality. The collaborative work we will do will help identify personal values that shed light onto changes you want to see in yourself. 

As a bilingual counselor, I recognize that one language may be preferred over the other. Naturally flowing in and out of English and Spanish is welcome and encouraged, as one language may emphasize our thoughts better than the other. 

If emotion focused work piques your interest, you’ve come to the right place! Fear of uncertainty, excitement in something new, and all other conceivable emotions are normal and welcome. Your emotions offer a roadmap towards living a more authentic self. How would you like to shape that journey?