Jay Hope, Intern Therapist

Hello! My name is Jay (they/them). I’ll be an intern therapist at The Center for Growth from May 2026 to May 2027. I’m currently working towards my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Saint Joseph’s University, with a focus in compulsive behaviors. 

Concepts such as gender, sexuality, sex, and relationships can play a key role in our identity and self-expression. These areas of our life can hold a lot of weight when it comes to feelings of fulfillment and joy. When these areas of our lives feel out of alignment or unexplored, it can have a ripple effect on our relationships, our sense of self, and our overall well-being. You deserve the opportunity to explore them fully and without shame. My goal is to support you with empathy and compassion as we work collaboratively to create goals and make changes that lead you to a more intentional and satisfying life.

My Philosophy 

As a non-binary and bisexual person myself, I understand the complexities around uncovering your personal sense of identity, sexuality, and belonging. That lived experience influences the empathy and genuineness I bring to this work. My experience with navigating my own mental health and identity is what initially drew me to this field. I know what it feels like to carry questions about your identity, your relationships, your desires, and whether there is space for all of it to be accepted. Those questions can be heavy, and they deserve to be held with care. When I started going to therapy, I quickly learned that there was much to learn about myself. This can be a tricky can of worms to open; I found that there is also room for excitement and curiosity. I believe that everyone is entitled to learning who they truly are at their core in a judgment-free zone. Discovering and unpacking key elements of your identity, whether that’s your gender, sexuality, or relationship style, is liberating and refreshing. You deserve to let that in and embrace these pieces of yourself. I want to hear about your life experiences that inform who you are and identify the barriers that are keeping you from allowing yourself to live true to yourself. I’m interested in helping you gain a sense of agency in your life. This means exploring all of the parts of yourself that you’ve been hesitant to uncover. I’m here to support you regardless of what our point of focus is. 

I recognize that topics related to sex, intimacy, gender, and relationships can feel vulnerable to bring into a therapeutic space. A few other areas you may be navigating include sexual identity, non-monogamy, and the impact of trauma on your relationship with your body. The energy that I offer is rooted in unconditional positive regard, curiosity, and empathy. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to be listened to without judgement. You deserve a space that is genuinely affirming. I welcome all people; I acknowledge that not every relationship is built on traditional attributes. I am BDSM and kink-friendly; this is the space for you to explore these topics if they interest you. We can also discuss curiosities around your sexual orientation as well as gender expression. I create an environment where these topics can be discussed without fear. Building trust and comfort is a crucial first step, and we will move at whatever pace feels right for you. I want to hear about your story and what areas of your life are no longer working for you. 

My Approach

I integrate CBT, existential, solution-focused, and person-centered approaches in my work with clients. Together we can explore subjects related to sexuality and intimacy and discuss how they may show up in your life. This could include navigating relationships with others and yourself, processing trauma, and embracing your sexuality. Whatever the case may be, I am here to bear witness to your journey with curiosity and care. We will explore how your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and past experiences shape your relationship with your sexuality, intimacy, and body. This process will help us to unearth and own what feels more authentic and fulfilling for you. 

I work with individuals and those in relationships who are navigating:

• Trauma and its impact on sexuality & intimacy
• Relationship and communication challenges around sex and intimacy
• Sexual identity and orientation
• LGBTQIA+
• Gender identity and expression
• Kink and BDSM
• Polyamory and non-monogamy
• Sexual dysfunction

CBT

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When it comes to sexuality and intimacy, the beliefs and narratives we’ve internalized over time can have a powerful impact on how we feel about ourselves and how we show up in our relationships. Some of these beliefs were handed to us by family, culture, religion, or past experiences and we never had the chance to question whether they actually belong to us. CBT gives us the tools to examine those narratives and explore what might feel more true and fulfilling instead. CBT is one of my favorite approaches because it provides a framework for understanding how our internal dialogue shapes the way we experience intimacy, relationships, and ourselves.

Existential

Existential therapy is less a set of techniques and more a way of thinking about what it means to be fully yourself. In the context of sexuality and intimacy, this approach is particularly meaningful. Many people have spent years feeling like they have to hide or suppress the most important parts of themselves, such as their identity, desires, relationship style, and gender expression. I believe that regardless of who you are or where you come from, everyone has the right to unapologetically embrace what makes them who they are. Existential therapy creates a space to reclaim those parts, find meaning in your experiences, and engage with your life in a way that feels purposeful and authentically yours. There are many external factors that we can’t directly control, however, I will help you to deepen your sense of autonomy and freedom for the areas that you can control. The spirit of existentialism influences the way I move through life and the way I show up for my clients. Exploring your identity and sexuality is ultimately about reclaiming the parts of yourself that have always been yours.

Person-Centered

This approach represents how I show up for every client. I meet you where you are on your journey without judgment. We will explore how past experiences may be shaping your relationship with your body, your sexuality, and your connections with others. You guide this process. I hold the space, ask the questions, and walk alongside you as you move toward greater self-understanding and authenticity. This will inform the path we will take to help you engage with your life in a way that feels most meaningful to you. This approach resonates with me because sexuality and intimacy are deeply personal, and I want to understand your whole story, not just the parts that feel difficult.

SFBT

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a practical, forward-looking approach that can be woven into our work at any point. Rather than getting stuck on what isn’t working, we focus on identifying what is and build from there. In the context of intimacy and relationships, this might mean identifying areas that require progress to move you closer to the connection and fulfillment you’re looking for. Every step forward is a step in the right direction. Every mistake is more information that informs what isn’t working. Each stride towards the end goal doesn’t have to be perfect to be real. This approach speaks to me because small shifts in how you experience intimacy and connection are worth celebrating. I believe that we don’t have to wait until everything is figured out to feel good about where we’re headed.

A Few Closing Thoughts

My hope for every client I work with is that they leave our time together feeling more connected to themselves than when they arrived. That looks different for everyone and figuring out what it looks like for you is exactly the kind of work I love to do. While sexuality and intimacy are often central to our work, we’ll attend to whatever areas of your life need care. As we go through these areas, we will spend our time celebrating your wins as well. Every step towards growth and change is worth honoring, no matter how big or small.

Therapy is not always linear. Our sexuality and intimacy styles are layered; personal areas of life and the process is not the same for everyone. What matters most is that you feel safe, supported, and understood as we navigate it together. Whether you are just beginning to explore these parts of yourself or have been on this journey for some time, this is a space where that journey can continue. If this type of support sounds appealing to you, I would love to start this work with you. Please reach out if you’re interested in connecting or if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you.