Jonay Boylan

About Jonay

My approach

My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to your needs. I incorporate evidence-based techniques, somatic practices, and structured activities to help you process emotions, build awareness, and develop practical skills. Together, we'll explore your experiences, recognize your strengths, and work toward goals that are meaningful to you.

About me

I'm Jonay Boylan, a Maryland Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and founder of The Boylan Effect. I provide virtual psychotherapy rooted in empathy, authenticity, and connection. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where you feel seen, heard, and respected as we work together toward your personal goals.

More background

My path to becoming a therapist began with a lifelong curiosity about how people think, communicate, and make meaning of their experiences. I first explored these interests through the study of cognitive science, linguistics, and neuroscience, where I gained a deeper understanding of the connections between the brain, behavior, and emotional well-being. While that work strengthened my scientific foundation, I realized I was most fulfilled when helping people navigate life's challenges on a personal level.

That realization led me to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. Since then, I've had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, trauma, grief, burnout, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. These experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens when people feel safe, understood, and empowered.

I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can be heard without judgment, develop practical tools for change, and build a life that aligns with their values. My goal is to help clients not only overcome current challenges but also develop the resilience and confidence to thrive long after therapy ends.

Work history

Throughout my clinical career, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and private practice settings. These experiences have allowed me to support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, burnout, relationship concerns, identity exploration, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other emotional and behavioral challenges. I have extensive experience conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing evidence-based therapy tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.

My work has included helping clients strengthen communication, improve emotional regulation, process traumatic experiences, navigate career and relationship stress, build self-esteem, and develop healthier coping strategies. I have also worked closely with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary treatment teams to ensure clients receive coordinated, compassionate, and effective care. My clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic techniques, Narrative Therapy, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices while remaining collaborative, culturally responsive, and individualized.

In addition to providing therapy, I have developed psychoeducational resources, facilitated support groups and workshops, and participated in community outreach efforts to increase mental health awareness and improve access to quality behavioral healthcare. Earlier in my career, my work in neuroscience and behavioral health research deepened my understanding of the relationship between the brain, behavior, sleep, stress, and emotional well-being, strengthening the evidence-based foundation I bring to my clinical practice today.

Specialties

Types of therapy

Who Jonay works with

Ages

Adults, Elders (65+)

Communities

LGBTQ+, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, BIPOC, Black / African American, Latino / Hispanic, Asian American, Indigenous / Native American, Immigrant, Veterans, Body Positive, Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Single Parents

Languages

English

Education and training

Master of Arts in Counseling, Northwestern University, 2025