Jared Sahagun

I believe all human beings have the potential to change and move towards an authentic self they desire. I believe each of us wakes up in the morning wanting to enjoy life or to be able to enjoy life; unfortunately, many of us did not experience our ideal life, whether in our family, home, or in the world. Developing one’s authentic self is key to enjoying life in a value-congruent manner. Good day to you. Here is a brief description of my experience with humans and how I became an LPC. My parents fostered hundreds of foster children, trained new and experienced foster parents, and I was a part of this since before I can remember. My mother brought me along to trainings, parental visits, and even to court. I have watched families succeed, try to succeed, and fail, as well as how each person in that family system becomes part of the equation for how it performed. I worked at a long-term care facility for adolescents and again observed how each member of a family contributes to how the family is functioning. Attachment theory, relationships, and how one develops authenticity in a family system are some of the theories and knowledge I gained before I stepped into the world of therapy. I completed graduate school at the age of 32 after two other career choices. Since becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have enjoyed life and work to an extent I previously thought was near impossible. In graduate school, I interned at an Intensive Outpatient Program for Addictions and learned more about therapy, how individuals function in society due to family dynamics/systems, and more about self. I also interned at an adolescent day treatment center, worked with children ages 11-18, and loved this age group due to the stage of development they were experiencing. My first job was at another long-term intensive adolescent facility (typical stay 6-12 months) on 'the girls side' and learned even more about compassion, stepping out of my lens/perspective, and how developing an authentic self is crucial to a value-congruent life. I have had two other jobs since the long-term adolescent facility. My favorite job I've ever experienced was working at a college campus here in Colorado. Working with mostly young adults (non-traditional students and staff as well) was very enjoyable, and I cannot recall a day I regretted having to go to work to help all those awesome students succeed. At this college, I have worked with nearly every type of person ('population' in psych terms) and have grown in each area. My abilities have expanded in many areas that have helped me to become an effective therapist utilizing several therapeutic theories and interventions in order to help the client grow and develop their authentic self. The goal is to help the clients sit with unwanted truths, develop their identity, understand their relationship issues, gain insight into understanding how trauma affects relationships and choosing a partner, as well as living a value-congruent lifestyle in order to more fully enjoy life. I typically operate from an Analytical Behaviorist perspective, with Attachment Theory underlying all of it (this is my lens), as well as utilizing Emotion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Transference-Focused Therapy (the interventions used). I continue to attend trainings and lectures to find more therapy styles to help me and the client succeed.