Jordan "Jay" Clarfield M.A.

Graduate Intern

Phone: (406) 356-6480 

Email: jay.clarfield.counseling@gmail.com

     I approach counseling as a mutual process of exploration and growth. Seeking support demonstrates the wisdom to recognize we all have strengths and limitations and necessitates the courage to risk change. Positive Psychology views difficulties of behavior, emotion, and thought as two-way phenomena. Just as depression can hinder someone by causing low-motivation and sadness, it can also enhance creativity – evidenced by its higher rate of occurrence in artists. This is just one example of how I view whole-person wellbeing: the goal is for individuals to develop skills for managing personal challenges while also exploring and strengthening their talents and abilities. I aim to empower and assist rather than merely label and treat. I see my role as supporting you in identifying and working to reach your own goals in an empathetic and nonjudgmental manner. 

    I have worked most extensively with families, adolescents, and young adults. I have also worked with couples, veterans, children with developmental disabilities, and victims of violence/trauma. I believe individuals benefit most when counseling theories and techniques are selected based on their unique needs as opposed to a therapists’ personal preference. That being said, I have over 15 years of education and experience in evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, Family Systems Therapy, Existential/Humanist Theory, and Attachment/Development Theories. I am presently in progress to obtain certification in Gottman Method couple’s therapy. My Master’s degree is in Multicultural Counseling, and I have traveled, lived, and provided human services in a variety of diverse communities and cultures. Culture is not merely ethnicity or nationality – it encompasses everything from spiritual or religious beliefs to family interactional style to a person’s taste in music. 

     It is important to get to know a counselor’s style and personal disposition to determine if they will be of most help to you. Research has shown the ‘goodness-of-fit’ between counselor and client has a greater impact on therapeutic success than does specific theory or treatment. Therefore, I encourage you to call me – no strings attached – in order to make an informed decision as to whether you feel my communication style and personal demeanor match what you are seeking. If so, I look forward to assisting you with dignity and respect on your life’s journey.