What made you decide to pursue being a therapist?

I developed a passion to work with individuals who need to talk with someone outside of their life bubble during my undergrad studies at Biola University. After I graduated, I thought I could work in the field helping people. I soon realized that my undergraduate degree was not enough for me. I pursued my masters at Azusa Pacific University because I wanted better tools to help the teams that form in counseling sessions, between myself as a therapist and the client(s), develop and implement a game plan.

Do you think everyone needs a game plan?

Yes, and no. Talking and being listened to are greatly important to many things and sometimes that is the game plan - if that is all someone needs. However, I've come to know that some people need challenge and/or accountability to move forward, and even others needs some fresh ideas.

What is one of the most common difficulties you and your clients have encountered?

Coming to therapy. No matter if people have had years of going to therapy or have never stepped into an office before, there is typically a barrier put up between the client and I that says either, "I really shouldn't be here, my life is not that bad," or, "Here's this new person I have to share my life story with, how is this going to make anything better?"

How do you respond?

I understand that those discomforts are normal. I've been to the Dr. just like anyone else and sometimes opening up to a therapist can be like a physician telling you to strip down and cover up with a thin piece of paper while they take a look at you. People feel vulnerable. At least, I don't think many people are comfortable with their backside hanging out of those gowns. I believe sharing one's life story with someone leaves people in a vulnerable place. I think it takes a lot of strength to do such a thing.

As for people who think that their life isn't bad enough to justify seeing a therapist, I can understand that too. I believe, however, that most-if not all-people come to a point in life where they desperately need a different experience; a change in the ever-cycling relationship patterns. That, to me, is what a therapist is for: to develop a new experience. To see a therapist can simply mean that in order to make some change in life take place, people try to bring in someone new to work with them.

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Is it time to share your story out loud? Do you need someone safe enough to talk with about what is going on in your life? Are you ready for things to change but struggling with how to change them or even how you want them to change?

If your answer to any of those questions is yes, then Jace Draper is here for you. Jace understands that sometimes in life, hope can be difficult to hold on to. She believes in God's promise:

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Jace knows that with a little help, whether we have completely lost hope or it is slipping away from us, we can find it again and strengthen our grasp.

Jace Draper, MA
MFT Intern #IMF68311
Garden Grove Office
800.705.6223, Ext. 105

Jace earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Biola University and her Master of Arts (MA) from Azusa Pacific University. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, supervised by Dr. Debi Smith, Licensed Psychologist PSY21711.

Appointments:

If you would like to meet with Jace in Garden Grove, you may schedule a confidential appointment now using our Appointment Calendar.

For information about Fees and Services offered, please click here.