Working with young people and their families is a humbling experience. I am frequently grateful and inspired by the courage, strength, dedication, and determination it takes to engage in the work of repair, growth, and reconnection that can happen at Gateway Academy.
Jorden Saxten
LCSW
Summit Therapist
Credentials
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Actor Training Program, University of Utah
Master of Social Work, University of Utah
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Utah
Clinical experience: Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy
Philosophy
Jorden practices from a place of deep empathy and respect for the challenges, struggles, strengths, and resources inherent in each individual and human experience. She prioritizes the cultivation of a safe and nurturing environment, where clients can feel free to bring their fullest self to the table. She emphasizes the development of a solid and supportive therapeutic relationship where challenges can be explored, understood, and resolved. She understands the importance of young people experiencing and overcoming hardships, stepping into action and accountability, and developing resiliency. She recognizes the power of experience to help shape and change, and thus, utilizes experiential learning as often as possible.
Professional
Jorden has been working with adolescents and their families in a variety of settings since 2015. She began her career path by working in wilderness therapy as a field mentor, and in community mental health as a respite provider. Before returning to graduate school to pursue her Masters of Social Work degree, Jorden actually worked at Gateway Academy as an OEE staff member! During her graduate school studies, Jorden worked as therapist/case manager at a domestic violence center, and then as a therapist at a residential treatment center for adults working on substance use recovery. After graduate school, Jorden worked at another residential therapeutic boarding school with adolescent girls and their families as that program's substance use therapist. Of note, Jorden has spoken at local and national conferences, seminars, and workshops about the opioid crisis. Jorden is now thrilled to be back at Gateway Academy as a therapist.
Personal
Jorden has a variety of interests outside of working with young people and their families. She is a passionate world traveler, and enthusiastic dog owner. She apologizes in advance if she overshares in a moment of excitement about Perth, her Australian Cattle Dog, or her travels locally, domestically, and internationally. Jorden values being active outside year round, which includes (but is not limited to) skiing/snowboarding, rocking climbing, canyoneering, slalom water skiing, backpacking, and rockhounding.
Creating Student Success
Jorden emphasizes a humanistic, relationship based, and experiential approach. Partnering with her clients, Jorden works to quickly build a supportive and therapeutic relationship that can be used to build upon clients' strengths and explore areas of potential. Jorden focuses on empowering her clients to face challenges with curiosity and accountability. Working with families, Jorden strives to address patterns, strengths, and supports within the system and areas of collective growth and learning.