About Jay
Jay Sontag is a humanistic and existential therapist based in New York. Jay uses a warm, person-centered style to help people find meaning and manage life’s hard moments. Jay holds a Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential and brings four years of clinical experience to sessions.
Jay focuses on LGBT concerns, relationship stress, family conflict, grief, and parenting challenges. Sessions often include talking through family of origin issues, communication problems, and feelings of guilt or shame.
Background and approach
Jay also supports work around gender dysphoria, sexuality, and non-monogamous relationship dynamics. Conversations are grounded and practical. Jay listens first, then helps people notice patterns and try small changes.
Motivational interviewing and narrative techniques are used to clarify values and rewrite unhelpful stories people tell themselves. Trauma-focused approaches are available when past hurt affects daily life. Jay helps people name trauma reactions and develop manageable steps toward feeling steadier.
Existential ideas about meaning and purpose can be useful for those facing big life questions. Jay identifies as non-binary and draws on community-centered values when working with clients. Sessions are offered in English and use straightforward language so parents and individuals can follow along.
Jay works with people who want a thoughtful, collaborative approach to personal and relational concerns.
How Jay Uses Talk-Based Approaches Online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and meeting people where they are. The therapist offers empathy and reflection to help clients name feelings and decide what matters most. This approach is helpful for relationship concerns, parenting stress, and LGBTQ-related issues.Existential Therapy looks at meaning, choice, and purpose. It helps people facing big life questions, grief, or feelings of emptiness by clarifying values and options. Motivational Interviewing is a short, goal-focused style that supports people who want to try small behavior changes or resolve ambivalence about a next step.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Jay will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That may mean trying one approach for a few sessions and adjusting based on what helps most.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video offers face-to-face interaction for deeper conversation, while phone can work when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and messaging allow brief check-ins or ongoing support without scheduling a full session, adding flexibility for busy days or tight schedules.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Jay commonly address?
What is the therapy style like in sessions?
How much clinical experience does Jay have?
What credentials and location should I know about?
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Can people outside the U.S. work with Jay?
What session formats are available?
How are fees handled and how do I begin?
Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
Also works with
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Grief
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Life purpose
- Parenting issues
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Sexuality
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 4 years
- Licensed
- New York
- Languages
- English