I truly love therapy! I have dedicated my life to learning the best ways to help people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. I have over 13 years of advanced education, formal training, and professional experience in the field of psychology. I am originally from a small town in southern Nevada and began my psychology training in the Las Vegas area by working with children and adolescents who had experienced traumatic events while I attended UNLV. It was during this time that my love of therapy flourished. During my graduate training at the University of Indianapolis, I specialized in adult psychopathology and psychotherapy during which time I worked in a community mental health clinic, private practice, and VA Medical Centers providing general mental health care to adults, couples, and families. My specialized training and experience provided a solid foundation for my internship and residency where I treated Veterans who experienced traumatic events, including combat and sexual assault, and other anxiety disorders. Over the years, I have developed numerous clinical and administrative projects such as helping survivors of sexual assault regain control over their sexual functioning and developing a comprehensive framework for providing services to many diverse cultural and racial groups. My theoretical orientation, education, research experiences, and clinical experiences provide me with a unique skill set for understanding and addressing the many needs of adults experiencing mental health concerns. Some of my favorite things in therapy include working with individuals on improving their sex lives, exposure-based interventions for anxiety and trauma disorders, and decreasing worry.
I continue to regularly attend conferences and workshops because I am always looking for more ways to understand and help my clients as well as advocate for those who are often unable to advocate for themselves. For example, I served as the Public Education Campaign Coordinator and Secretary for the Executive Board of the Nevada Psychological Association with a focus on community outreach and education. I am a Licensed Psychologist in both Washington and Nevada as well as an approved interjurisdiction telepsychology provider to the many states of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). With a goal of providing my patients with the highest quality specialty care, I am board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and am an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist with a focus on the interconnection between anxiety and sexual functioning. I am a member of the American Psychological Association, the Nevada Psychological Association, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. I truly look forward to meeting new individuals, learning about their past and present, and developing a collaborative way to help them recover and take back control of their future. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing with my pug, reading, cosplay, and practicing different nail art techniques.
Formal Education, Licensure, and Certification
Licensed Psychologist
NV: PY0808
WA: PY60632945
ASPPB Mobility Number: 12551
Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology - American Board of Professional Psychology
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist - American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
VA Puget Sound Health Care System, American Lake Division, Postdoctoral Psychology Residency, PTSD Specialty
Hefner VA Medical Center, Pre-Doctoral Internship
University of Indianapolis, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Adult Psychopathology and Psychotherapy
Dissertation: Effects of Gender on Peritraumatic Affective, Dissociative, and Trauma-like Responses: A Rape Analogue
University of Indianapolis, M.A. in Clinical Psychology
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, B.A. in Psychology with minor in Marriage and Family Therapy
Select Publications & Presentations
Soper, J. (June, 2021). Discussions In Culture & Experiences - Gender and Sexuality. Presented at Pacific Psychology and Comprehensive Health Clinic, Portland, OR.
Soper, J. (April, 2021). An Introduction to Sex Therapy. Presented at The PRACTICE, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV.
Soper, J. (February, 2021). Private Practice 101. Presented at Student Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV.
Soper, J. (January, 2021). Performance Anxiety Reduction Seminar. Presented at Aces & Arrows, Henderson, NV.
Soper, J. (November, 2020). Working with Sexual Assault Survivors in the Emergency Department. Presented at Touro University, Henderson, NV.
Soper, J. (July, 2020). PTSD and Sexual Intimacy. Presented at the Las Vegas Resiliency Center, Las Vegas. NV.
Soper, J. (September, 2019). The Psychological Impact of Miscarriages. Presented at Touro University, Henderson, NV.
Soper, J. (March, 2018). Nevada Psychological Association Response and Recovery from the October 1st Las Vegas Shooting. California Psychologist magazine.
Soper, J. (May, 2017). LGBTQ: Introduction and Diversity Considerations. Presented at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, North Las Vegas, NV.
Soper, J. (September, 2015). An Introduction to Sex Therapy. Presented at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, American Lake Division, Tacoma, WA.
Elwood, L., Soper, J., and Olatunji, B. (January, 2015). Anger Management Techniques. The Encyclopedia of Clinical Psychology. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell.
Naydenov, C., Elwood, L., and Soper, J. (November, 2015). An Examination of Rape Myth Acceptance, Sex Differences, and Distress in a Rape Film Analogue Study. Poster accepted for presentation at the Indiana Psychological Association Conference, Merrillville, IN.
Allmond, J., Emsley, S., and Soper, J. (February, 2015). Sexually Problematic Behavior. Presented at the Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury, NC.
Soper, J. & Elwood, L. (November, 2013). Effects of Gender on Peritraumatic Affective, Dissociative, and Trauma-Like Responses: A Rape Analogue. Poster accepted for presentation at the Indiana Psychological Association Conference, Merrillville, IN.
Soper, J., Duckworth, H., Nabors, L., Lewis, D., and Mabrey, T. (October, 2013). Education, Utility, and Application of Psychological Training with First Responders. Paper presented at the Indiana Academy of Social Science Conference, Muncie, IN
Elster, J., & Soper, J. (July, 2013). Evidence-Based Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Abuse Disorders. Presented at the Susan Li Conference, Indianapolis, IN
“They have stolen the heart from inside you, but this does not define you. This is not who you are. You know who you are”
– Moana