Therapeutic Approach
As a therapist, my role is to guide individuals toward integration and wholeness, drawing upon their innate resilience and strength. I emphasize the existential and spiritual dimensions of the self, recognizing that growth emerges through the resolution of internal conflicts and anxieties. True healing occurs when a person learns to engage with their internal landscape—not merely suppressing unwanted thoughts and behaviors but understanding the deeper needs and fears that drive them.
From a Jungian perspective, the psyche consists of various parts, including the conscious ego, the shadow, the anima/animus, and the Self—the organizing principle of our being. Likewise, Internal Family Systems (IFS) recognizes that within us exist multiple subpersonalities, or “parts,” each with its own needs, wounds, and protective strategies. Emotional suffering often arises when these parts are in conflict, leading to cycles of avoidance, self-sabotage, and distress. Healing involves acknowledging, understanding, and ultimately integrating these parts in a way that honors their role in our psyche. My role is to facilitate this process, helping individuals cultivate internal harmony rather than reinforcing rigid self-concepts.
What facilitates real change? The fundamental agent of transformation is relationship. Both in the therapeutic space and in life, relationships serve as the crucible where the hidden self is brought into the light. Jungian thought suggests that what we resist in others is often a reflection of our own disowned parts—the shadow. Likewise, in deep, authentic connection, we experience mirroring that allows us to see ourselves more clearly. The wounded parts of us, which have long been locked in fear, grief, or despair, can only begin to heal when they are acknowledged within the presence of another. The discovery of the self through intimacy—whether with another person or with one’s own inner world—is an irreversible and transformative experience.
Yet transformation is not passive. It requires choice and responsibility. A key aspect of meaningful therapy is learning to become proactive rather than reactive—responding to life from a place of conscious engagement rather than unconscious conditioning. My task is not to “fix” the individual but to help them move from avoidance to agency, from fear to freedom. In doing so, the individual learns to take responsibility for their growth, no longer bound by inherited narratives or unconscious defenses.
This journey is best understood through the lens of Quality, which is not just about efficiency or correctness; it is an encounter with something deeper—what is true, meaningful, and whole. When one aligns with Quality, they are no longer just “coping” with life but engaging with it at a profound level. Therapy, at its best, is not merely about symptom relief; it is about bringing the individual into contact with Quality—where choices are made not out of fear or habit, but from an authentic sense of what is right and meaningful.
In this way, therapy becomes a path toward individuation, toward living with integrity and depth. It is not about eliminating suffering but about transforming it—about finding the wisdom within our wounds and using it to cultivate a life of presence, responsibility, and connection.
About Jade
Jade has been the president of AAIM Counseling since 2007. He has had experience in treating addictions, mood, and other psychological issues since 2002. Jade is a graduate of the University of Utah, where he obtained a Masters degree and received the “Student of the Year” award for his high achievement and service through his graduate program. Jade has published the book “Healing Secrets” and numerous academic papers concerning the psychological process. During and after graduate school, Jade worked with the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute’s (UNI) “Resilient Youth” Study and was an outpatient aftercare coordinator for UNI’s Recovery Works Program. After graduate school, Jade worked for ARCH Counseling and New Haven. Jade also worked for LDS Family Services (2004-2016). Beginning as an intern with Family Services, Jade helped pioneer their “Journey to Confidence” program. Jade is a member of AMCAP, NASW, and Psi Chi. With Psi Chi, Jade received the “Service to the Community” award and served as Vice President of the organization at the University of Utah in 2003. Jade has had additional training in Motivational Interviewing, and is part of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). He is Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist and has run DBT skills groups since 2004. He is a Substance Abuse Provider (SAP) through UDOT. He also has training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Domestic Violence intervention (certified), Emotional Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and EMDR.
Awards
- Student of the Year
University of Utah, School of Social Work, Alumni Association - Outstanding Community Service Award
Psi Chi National Honor Society, University of Utah - Service Above and Beyond
Mortar Board Honor Society. University of Utah Chapter
Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers
MINT – Motivational Interviewing
Evergreen Certification
American Psychological Association, Student Affiliate
Psi Chi National Honor Society of Psychology
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Certification- Phi Kappa Phi
- Golden Key International Honor Society
- Mortar Board
- Phi Theta Kappa
- National Dean’s List
Presentations
Mangus, J. (AMCAP 2008, October)
Journey to Confidence: A Shame Recovery Group Approach to Working with Avoidant Clients
Presentation Summary: Many clients are avoidant of their own healing, and shame is usually at the core of this avoidance. These clients may hide from family members, friends, and themselves, which leads to a perpetuation of dysfunctional cycles. Isolation, loneliness, and perceptions of abandonment exacerbate a shameful identity. In this presentation, a group approach will be explored for helping those attempting to break the cycle of shame.
Mangus, J (AMCAP 2008 April)
Motivational Interviewing with Compulsive Pornography Issues
Presentation Summary: Motivational interviewing is a directive, person-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. Compared with non-directive counseling, it is more focused and goal-directed. Motivational interviewing is a subtle balance of directive and person-centered components, shaped by a guiding philosophy of understanding change. In
this presentation, motivational interviewing methods are reviewed, with applications to treatment for pornography addiction discussed.
Jade Mangus, M.A.
Motivational Interviewing: The Basics
Workshop Summary: Motivational interviewing is a directive, client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. Compared with non-directive counseling, it is more focused and goal-directed. The examination and resolution of ambivalence is its central purpose, and the counselor is intentionally active in pursuing this goal. This workshop will focus on seeking to understand another’s frame of reference; expressing acceptance and affirmation; eliciting and selectively reinforcing the client’s own self motivational statements expressing problem recognition, concern, desire and intentionality in change; and monitoring the client’s degree of readiness to change
Mangus, J. (2007, February)
“Rowing with OARS”: Utilization of Motivational Interviewing, Opening Strategies. LDS Family Services.
Cowen, G., Mangus, J. (2003, November)
Use of Client-Centered Force Presentations, III interventions in group and individual psychotherapy.
University of Utah
Publications
Mangus, J (in press) Healing Secrets: Self-Medicating Our Most Important Relationships. Springville, Utah: Cedar Fort
Release Date: 5/8/10