Jason Evan Mihalko, Psy.D.

The Journey

Change comes in many forms. A chance encounter, random event, or every-day experience all holds a moment in which the impossible can become the possible. Psychotherapy, in many ways, provides a focused way to pay attention to the moment to find the possibility of the beginning and ending in every moment. Some start their journey with a desire to understand a problematic relationship and develop specific skills to change patterns of being and relating in the world. Others start their journey by seeking solace while facing a dark night of the soul. Some start when they no longer can manage experiences of depression, anxiety, or panic. Still others, perhaps tired of just surviving, start their journey with a wish to learn how to thrive and grow.

Radical Acceptance/Radical Change

Any change begins with a deep sense of acceptance. My work in therapy begins, continues, and ends with a gentle and every-present acceptance of what is true in the moment. So much of the time we are taught to not cry when it hurts, to not complain when it doesn't go right, and sometimes even not to laugh too much when we encounter joy. Radical acceptance is a deep appreciation for and validation of the reality of the moment. When it is painful, it is painful. When it is joyful, it is joyful. When it's over, it's over. When one looks deep inside and finds a dark and tenacious hate inside, there is a dark and tenacious hate inside. In order to change, we are required to validate and radically accept what is true in the moment: to be different tomorrow we must be who we are today.

Radical acceptance is not the same as agreeing with, approving of, or the judgment of goodness. Acceptance is not the method of change: it is the prerequisite. With radical acceptance comes the expectation of radical change--change in behaviors, attitudes, outlook, skills, and ways of being. At times, radical change involves learning to tolerate discomfort. It even involves learning to accept when we are unwilling or unable to change.

About Dr. Mihalko Dr. Jason Evan Mihalko earned a B.A. in psychology from Baldwin-Wallace College, a M.A. in counseling psychology from Goddard College, and an M.S. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Antioch University: New England. He also studied industrial/organizational psychology at the City University of New York. Prior to earning his doctoral degree, Dr. Mihalko spend over a decade as an activist, clinician, and administrator in settings including rape crisis centers, needle exchange programs, youth shelters, community mental health centers, and a free medical clinic working with gay men who were HIV positive.	Psychotherapy Over fifty-five years ago, Karen Horney wrote that "whatever the conditions under which a child grow up, he will... learn to cope with others in one way or another and he will probably acquire some skills. But there are also forces in him which he cannot acquire or even develop by learning. You need not, and in fact cannot, teach an acorn to grow into an oak tree, but when given a chance, its intrinsic potentialities will develop.
Clinical Hypnosis Clinical hypnosis is a psychotherapeutic tool that can be used to activate underused resources, aptitudes, and skills in the service of accomplishing a particular goal. Hypnosis elicits the relaxation response. Additionally, this practice assists in turning the mind away from habitual patterns of response toward new and creative ways of problem solving. It is a state associated with selective wakefulness, controlled dissociation, diminished capacity for self-criticism, and increased suggestibility.	Health Insurance Dr. Mihalko is an in-network provider for Blue Cross (EPO, PPO, Blue Care Elect, Medicare PPO Blue, Network Blue, Blue Choice, and others including out-of-state Blue Cross plans) and a participating provider for Medicare Part B. If you have another insurance plan and it offers out-of-network benefits, it is possible that you could utilize your health insurance for psychotherapy.
Starting Psychotherapy Coming soon: a useful guide to starting therapy.	Contact .

Jason Evan Mihalko, Psy.D.

licensed psychologist

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The Journey

Radical Acceptance/Radical Change