Jay Varela

I work with high-functioning adults who look like they have it together and are quietly running on empty—people whose competence has become the thing they hide behind. My foundation is TEAM-CBT, an evidence-based approach I'm certified in at the highest level (Level 3 Advanced) through the Feeling Good Institute, and I train regularly with the Beck Institute. It gives our work real structure and proven tools. But symptoms usually rest on something older, and that's where the deeper work happens. I work most with anxiety, perfectionism, conditional self-worth, and the depletion that hides underneath a successful life.

I start by understanding before reaching for technique. A lot of people have done therapy that managed symptoms on the surface without ever reaching what was driving them—so we work at both levels: real, structured CBT tools and the deeper emotional and relational patterns underneath. I track progress as we go, so we're never guessing about whether therapy is helping. You'll be met directly, not managed. My style is warm and honest, and I'm not afraid of the harder conversations.

The first session is about getting to know you—what brought you here, your history, and what you're hoping to change. We won't rush into techniques; understanding comes first. You'll complete a brief mood survey that gives us a starting point to track progress from, and we'll begin shaping a direction for the work together. You'll leave with a sense of how we'll approach things and whether it feels like the right fit.