Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Wick.
Jay, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The journey to me becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist started with my struggles with mental health and addiction. In my 20’s, I hopped around several community colleges until I was finally able to transfer to San Diego State University. I had planned to major in business, due to a real lack of purpose or direction in any other areas. But, dealing with extremely high levels of anxiety and a progressively worsening substance use problem to cope with my struggles, I eventually dropped out. I had planned to take a semester off and return to school at Cal State San Marcos, but a semester ended up turning into about eight years, and my substance use took me to rock bottom. In January of 2010, I drove myself to the emergency room genuinely fearing I was on the verge of death. The stay in the emergency room led to me being admitted into a detox facility, followed by a month long inpatient treatment. It was in treatment that I began to think about going back to school again, but switching my major to something counseling related. I received notice of acceptance to Cal State San Marcos while I was in treatment, and about six months later I returned to school with some renewed purpose, and a focus on Human Development with an emphasis on counseling. At this point, I had no plans whatsoever to pursue a master’s degree. But, after beginning work at a non-profit for homeless and runaway youth toward the end of my undergraduate studies, I was encouraged by my colleagues to continue my education. Coming full circle, I was accepted into SDSU’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program and graduated in 2015 with a Master of Science in Counseling. Out of school, I worked at a substance use treatment center while collecting hours toward licensure, and shortly after passing the grueling licensing exam I stepped out to start my practice that I have been growing ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
My path to get here has not been smooth. But, I don’t know a lot of people that haven’t faced their share of adversity along the way. At 30 years old, I was fresh out of living in a hospital for a month, and back home living at my parents. I was working at Trader Joes (best job ever) and had back tracked two semesters in school from switching my major. Most of my friends had careers, college degrees, spouses, etc., while I was just coming out of a ten year haze and pretty much learning how to live all over again. I had to learn to let go of shame and the ideas of where I thought I was “supposed to be” by now and just keep moving forward with blind faith that I could work to make things better. I was at a workshop the other day and the presented asked, “When was the last time you were out of your comfort zone?” My truthful answer was, “I have been out of my comfort zone for the past ten years of my life.” And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way these days. Now at 40 years old, I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, I own two businesses (I’m a photographer and licensed therapist), I am engaged and in the healthiest relationship I have ever been in, I sit on the board and run the social media for the San Diego Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, I’m entirely self employed, and I just started a mental health focused podcast that I will begin releasing episodes in early January. Sharing all of these accomplishments isn’t necessarily for me to brag, but more to emphasize that all of my struggles led to me finding purpose and passion that has translated into happiness and enthusiasm for life!
Please tell us about your practice.
My main profession is being a therapist. I have my own practice in Encinitas called Focus Therapy (the name is simply a play on words from my love of photography). It is the most fulfilling job I have ever had. My official title is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), which tends to give people the impression that I only work with families or couples. Although one aspect of my practice is focused on couples counseling, LMFT also works with individuals on pretty much all aspects of mental health. I specialize in substance use disorders, with a big focus on people who may be trying non-traditional approaches to recovery. I also work with many junior high/ high school aged kids on anxiety, depression, purpose, motivation, etc.
I also have had a photography business for the past 8-ish years, where I do everything from portraits to family photos to weddings to commercial work for websites. Photography started as pretty much my form of therapy and progressed into a business as I continued to push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to attempt new things.
In addition, my podcast “Coming Into Focus,” will feature interviews with inspiring people from all walks of life, as well as other mental health professionals. I hope that people who are facing their dark times and life struggles will be able to find inspiration and hope from the guests who have been in the same boat and have found their way out.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I have lived in San Diego my whole life. I was born and raised in Encinitas, currently live in Oceanside and before that lived in Little Italy for five years. I honestly see no reason to ever leave, except to travel… And then, what better place to come back to? I think the only downside to living here, is that everyone wants to live here. The rent is going up and the freeway is slowing down.
Pricing:
- Individual therapy: $125 for 55min
- Couples counseling: $175 for 85 min
- I do not accept insurance
Contact Info:
- Address: Focus Therapy
4405 Manchester Ave., Suite 103
Encinitas, CA 92024 - Website: www.comingintofocus.org
- Phone: 760-448-0936
- Email: jay@comingintofocus.org
- Instagram: @comingintofocus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comingintofocus/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jay-robert-wick-encinitas-ca/354721
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