Great to meet you!
I am a licensed art therapist and professional counselor with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and groups in crisis. My work providing art therapy in an inpatient psychiatric hospital has shaped my inclusive, practical approach and allows me to offer grounded insight and effective strategies across a wide range of needs. Whether you’re feeling stressed, stuck, or navigating miscommunication, I aim to meet you where you are and help you find solutions that feel realistic and achievable.
My approach to therapy
My approach begins in the “here and now,” grounded in trauma-informed mindfulness practices. I incorporate evidence-based tools alongside creative and narrative art-making to help build emotional intelligence and deepen self-compassion. My goal is to support a sense of safety and emotional regulation while we process your experiences together. Over time, our work focuses on cultivating a steady sense of calm and helping you meet life’s challenges with greater self-acceptance—so you can become a supportive, compassionate guide for yourself during times of change.
What to Expect From Me
In your first session, my focus is on listening without judgment so you feel safe showing up as your authentic self. You don’t need to consider yourself creative or “artistic” to benefit from our work—my priority is collaborating with you to gain insight into what you’re facing and developing a plan to reduce stress and strengthen your coping skills. I’m a strong fit for those open to thinking outside the box, and I strive to create an inclusive, affirming space for neurodiverse individuals, LGBTQIA+ clients, and anyone who has felt misunderstood.
Biography
Jason Gans is an ATR-BC LPC born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who studied animation in New York City at Pratt Institute in 1999. He taught middle school art in Austin, Texas from 2007-2010 before finding his passion and sought to continue an education in art therapy at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since returning to Austin in 2015, Jason has provided group art therapy at Shoal Creek hospital to this present day. His exuberance resides in the creation of unique directives in comic book format for patients at any level to engage meaningfully in the art making process. Jason’s personal art engages social media and the local community with the goal of teaching coping skills, mindfulness, and healthy communication.
LGBTQIA+ Children, adolescents, and adults