Jonathan Vargas

About Jonathan

My approach

I'm skilled at helping with emotional skills, life transitions, neurodivergence, burnout, men's issues and more. If you need a teammate who approaches people with kindness, a dab of accountability, and excels at mixing approachable education with pop culture references. By integrating IFS, DBT, ACT, and narrative practices we can build the life you want!

About me

My approach is shaped by my own healing journey through belonging, intergenerational trauma, and people-pleasing. I show up with curiosity, understanding, and a commitment to advocacy against prejudice. If you are looking for therapy that feels human, collaborative, and built for real change, I would love to connect.

More background

What would be important for someone to know about working with you?

Working with me is a collaborative experience. I like to think of it as a road trip. You’re in the driver’s seat. I’m in the passenger seat, helping navigate. You tell me what you’re seeing. What feels confusing. What feels overwhelming. What feels stuck. And together, we figure out where you actually want to go. Sometimes we’ll take a left into childhood, family dynamics, and old stories that shaped you. Sometimes we’ll take a right into present-day tools, boundaries, communication skills, and routines. You’re the expert in your life, what has worked, what hasn’t and what is important to you now. I bring my psych knowledge, tools, and experience with clients. When we combine these. We can get you where you want to go. People say education is power and I agree, but information alone is useless. When I use my education, it’s not to lecture, instead it’s to empower you to challenge you to integrate it. Once you understand what’s happening in your mind and body, you’re not just reacting anymore. You’re choosing. Sometimes I’ll challenge you. Sometimes you’ll challenge me. That’s part of real collaboration. When I work with someone, I’m committed to this process with you. I’ll show up fully, adapt to who you are, and push you compassionately toward growth. You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s take this road trip together.

Work history

I have over 8 years of experience supporting individuals and groups in school settings and private practice. My work often focuses on identity, anxiety, self-esteem, environmental stress, and life transitions. My approach is shaped by my own healing journey through belonging, intergenerational trauma, and people-pleasing. I show up with curiosity, understanding, and a commitment to advocacy against prejudice. Bonfire Therapy is the culmination of my values and life experiences. I grew up attending a progressive church in NYC that functioned as a true community: relational, grounded, and committed to social justice. That’s where I first learned what it means to belong, to show up for people, and to heal in community. When I entered the mental health field, I carried these values with me. Now, launching my own practice, Bonfire Therapy is my commitment to create a space like the ones that helped shape my passion for mental health care. If you are looking for therapy that feels human, collaborative, and built for real change, I would love to connect.

Specialties

Types of therapy

Who Jonathan works with

Ages

Teens (14-19), Adults, Elders (65+)

Communities

LGBTQ+, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, BIPOC, Black / African American, Latino / Hispanic, Asian American, Indigenous / Native American, Immigrant, Veterans, First Responders, Faith-Based, Neurodivergent, People with Disabilities, Sex Worker Allied, Body Positive, Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Single Parents

Languages

English

Education and training

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Mental Health Counseling, Pace University, 2018

Certifications

DBT Certification

Gottman Level 2

Trauma Informed Counselor

Trans & Nonbinary Culturally Competent

Internal Family Systems