Jael Harper

Jael Harper is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona practicing at Hope Rebuilt in Tempe. Jael works with the queer community and considers themself a member of it, and their practice centers on supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients in building self-worth, finding their own sense of empowerment, and living a more authentic life. They recognize that the difficulties people carry into therapy — anxiety, depression, relationship strain, a stage of life that no longer fits — can be lessened, and that the skills to live a more fulfilled life can be learned.

Jael works from an existential and psychodynamic approach, drawing on cognitive behavioral techniques where they help. The aim is a space to explore personal values and strengths, and to empower each person toward their own mental health and wellness goals while honoring their autonomy and individual needs. Jael works with people from diverse backgrounds and believes it is important to create a safe space where anyone can seek help without fear of judgment. They are allied with kink, open-relationship and non-monogamy, and sex-worker communities, and describe themself as a sex-positive, transgender-allied practitioner.

Jael also provides evaluations for letters of support for gender-affirming treatment (ELOS). They hold active membership in WPATH and have completed the No More Gatekeeping training to offer this service. The assessment includes up to a 90-minute session for the evaluation and the letter itself, if indicated and agreed upon together, plus follow-up with medical providers as needed for up to a month afterward.

Jael holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northern Arizona University and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Sam Houston State University, and is licensed with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Their continuing training includes coursework in dissociation and racial trauma. Outside the office, Jael enjoys time with their chosen family, video and tabletop games, cross stitch and other small creative projects, and trying new restaurants and experiences around the Valley.