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E-Portfolio for James Henri Cook, Counselor-in-Training

Here you will learn of my journey to eventually help you successfully along yours.

Enter here to get to know all about me! I am an aspiring counselor, who is passionate about helping people get through many of the challenges life presents us. We all need help sometimes. To seek and accept it is not weakness, but strength.

Ask Me Questions
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Ask Me Questions
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Good Mental Health is Ultimately About "Seven Alignments" - JHC

NOTE: See My "Seven Alignments" page to read excerpts from my upcoming book!

Get to know me

I am not a mind mechanic, mental hygienist, magician, or meddler. I am Just a "guide on the side", a person who is very good at helping others help themselves . . . provided they really want to

Do you see that good-looking person in the photo to the left? Now look to the right of her and you will see me (I bet you already figured that out).

In 2021, at the tender young age of 57 I finally found the love of my life, my wife Cindy. And you have no idea how much time, trouble, learning through mistakes, wrong turns, ups and downs, ebbs and flows, dumb moves, and brilliant ideas, tears and laughter, bright optimism and dark depression I went through to reach that point. Life didn't magically get easy in 2021, there is still all of the challenges and trials common to life. 

My point is if you become my client, you will be talking with a fellow who has made practically every mistake the book, is still learning -  and will always be, who will respect you, treat you with empathy and understanding - never pity or judgment - and is aware we are all part light and part shadow. With my can-do attitude, authenticity, life experience, and professional training, I am confident that if you are willing to put in the work, I can help you help yourself become the best YOU you want to be. (And if you can understand that confusing sentence I just wrote and it resonates with you, we'll probably make a pretty good team!)

I was a college professor and dean/VP in my previous career. I was also a management and marketing consultant. In addition to an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (expected May 2025), I have a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership/Educational Psychology, an MBA, and an MTh. I have lived in 7 states, travelled in 33 - and 14 countries. My family is very diverse. Diversity in all of its richness has surrounded me my whole life and I love it. My faith is very important to me as is active ministry. (I keep it secular unless you want to bring religion - any faith or wisdom tradition - into the conversation.) My counseling approach is interactive, relaxed, and solutions-focused. I meet you where you are and focus on what challenges or conditions brought you to me. In other words, you set the goals and you drive the agenda.

Best Wishes for Abundant Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health, 

James Henri "Jim" Cook

Counselor-in-Training

Counselor Dispositions

The following 11 pages are devoted to sharing my perspective on, philosophy about, and personal growth related to Grand Canyon University Counseling Program's "Counselor Dispositions."

These dispositions are the values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward others, and, if sincerely held, dispositions lead to actions and patterns of professional conduct of counselors in training (CITs).  

The 10 Dispositions

The Grand Canyon University Counseling Program’s dispositions adhere to the University’s mission statement, as well as to the established counseling profession codes of ethics. Students who fail to adhere to or demonstrate such dispositions may be subject to referral to the Professional Practices Committee for developmental support or Code of Conduct for disciplinary action.
• Psychological Fitness: CITs strive to maintain holistic wellness across multiple domains of their mental, relational, and professional lives while focusing on interpersonal values that promote positive growth. CITs engage in activities that promote openness, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. CITs proactively practice self-care and are committed to mental health support to maintain psychological fitness.
• Self-Awareness: CITs intentionally reflect on how their value systems influence their personal and professional relationships. CITs demonstrate authenticity in relation to themselves and others. CITs bracket personal beliefs and values when faced with ideas different from their own to avoid inflicting harm on others.
• Cultural Diversity: CITs demonstrate respect for and engage in honoring and embracing diversity and multiculturalism while supporting the dignity and worth of clients within their unique contexts. CITs do not support or engage in any act of discrimination against others while simultaneously acknowledging how their cultural identity impacts their relationships with others.
• Acceptance: CITs work to foster a nonjudgmental professional environment while embracing change and others as they are. CITs avoid value imposition, uphold ethical standards, and remain conscious of their own attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors while being sensitive, receptive, and considerate to those of their clients.
• Empathy: CITs demonstrate compassion, understanding, and clemency towards all persons while simultaneously avoiding infliction of harm. CITs honor the uniqueness of all individuals while promoting dignity and respect in an ongoing therapeutic effort. CITs reflect on their experiences while mindfully working to understand an individual’s personal experience.

• Genuineness: CITs exhibit qualities of being honest in their interactions with others and in the behaviors they display. CITs have a sincere desire to better themselves when they experience incongruence between their beliefs, actions, and professional standards. • Flexibility: CITs embrace ambiguity with an open-mind and have the courage to form innovative solutions when facing challenges. CITs are able to work with others in a way that is open and inviting to multiple points of view and diverse cultural situations. CITs are open to shifting their perspective and embracing change.
• Patience: CITs respect autonomy of self and others while fostering growth. CITs encourage a relational environment that promotes respect , flexibility, and self exploration. CITs model calmness within various contexts in a steadfast, fluid, and enduring manner.
• Amiability: CITs display humility, compassion, and kindness in their interactions with others. CITs portray unconditional positive regard even when they have differing views. CITs remain cordial and calm in multiple contexts and when presented with frustrating situations.
• Professional Identity: CITs demonstrate professional conduct through mandatory attendance, promptness, and active participation to meet and exceed programmatic requirements. CITs maintain professional membership in counseling organizations and develop their understanding of self both personally and professionally while engaging in mentorship, supervision, and continuing education. CITs stay informed of current trends, research, and practices.


GCU Counseling Program Counseling Program Dispositions are quote in their entirety from https://aws-files.gcu.edu/ssc/chss/Counselor% 20Dispositions.pdf.

Psychological Fitness

Last update: March 9, 2025

Artifact

Counselor Ethical Boundaries and Practices

James H. Cook CNL-505-O500: Professional Counseling, Ethical, and Legal Considerations Dr. Trisha Guy August 25, 2021 Counselor Ethical Boundaries and Practices
Foundational to the professional life of a counselor are their ethics and relationships. A counselor’s thinking and comportment must be tightly moored to the ethics prescribed by their faith, their trade, and the law – with pre-eminence always given to the standard which sets the highest bar for any one aspect of their behavior.
According to Oramas (2017), a method to ensure ethical considerations remain central in a counselor's practice is ethical reflection. This involves regularly taking time to consider decisions, judgments, and ethical implications from multiple perspectives, reflecting on biases, prejudices, and opposing viewpoints. It’s a meditative process aimed at cultivating devout ethical behavior rather than merely adhering to ethics. Relationships are the cornerstone of counseling. They are essential for establishing trust, ongoing professional development, collaboration, and support networks. At the same time, counselors must navigate the fine line between appropriate and inappropriate relationships. While some relationships may be permissible with caution, many are impermissible and require adherence to strict ethical boundaries.

The following section will explore grey area and clearly impermissible relationships, otherwise referred to as boundary crossing/dual relationships. Subsequent sections will examine ethics and relationship issues associated with multidisciplinary teams, supervisors, and colleagues. The paper will conclude with a short overview of how the author’s perspective on counselor ethics has evolved during the course in which this paper is assigned.
Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships Maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial for counselors. Boundary crossings, such as attending a client's wedding, may sometimes be permissible but require careful consideration to avoid ethical violations. The American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (2014) prohibits certain dual relationships, such as romantic or sexual interactions with clients, their families, or former clients within five years of professional contact (A.5.a-c). Other prohibited relationships include those with friends, family members, or virtual relationships (A.5.d-e). Violating these boundaries can lead to serious legal and ethical repercussions, including the loss of licensure and liability. To maintain boundaries, Hartmann (1997) proposes a model of “thick” and “thin” boundaries. Thick boundaries allow for a stronger sense of personal space and decorum in the counselor-client relationship, while thin boundaries enable emotional sensitivity and empathy. Maintaining thick boundaries is crucial for preserving objectivity and avoiding harm to clients. Counselors can create strong boundaries through informed consent documentation, clear verbal and non-verbal communication, appropriate office design, and self-awareness to detect early signs of boundary violations. In some situations, dual relationships may be unavoidable. For instance, a counselor in a small town might have no choice but to treat a client who shares a social setting, like a church, with them. Nickel (2004) notes that refusing to treat a client due to a dual relationship could be more harmful than having the relationship. While these relationships can create challenges, counselors must still be vigilant to avoid potential harm to clients.
Professional Collaboration: Working with Multidisciplinary Teams Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams is essential for providing comprehensive care. Effective teamwork in counseling requires a shared commitment to client welfare and an appreciation for the diversity of perspectives and skills within the team. O’Hara et al. (2019) emphasize that the strength of a multidisciplinary team lies in merging diverse viewpoints to create innovative solutions for clients. Professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, medical doctors, and counselors from various specialties, work together to enhance client well-being by integrating their unique skills and knowledge. Relationships with Supervisors and Colleagues Counselor supervisors play a critical role in guiding and mentoring their supervisees. According to the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), supervisors should provide informed consent, outlining the expectations, roles, and rights in the supervisory relationship. Supervisors also monitor the supervisee’s performance, offering constructive feedback, encouragement, and professional guidance. Corey et al. (2015) state that supervisors should help supervisees refine their skills, ensuring they are prepared to serve a range of diverse clients effectively. Supervisors bear legal and ethical responsibility for their supervisees' actions. They must ensure that the supervisee’s actions align with the best interests of their clients and that they are professionally competent. A supervisor’s role as a mentor involves ensuring that the supervisee’s development is aligned with ethical standards and that their clients receive the best possible care.
Development of Thinking about Ethics Reflecting on my own growth throughout this course, I have gained a deeper understanding of two key ethical aspects. First, I was unaware that counselors are ethically obligated to take on clients whose beliefs and values drastically differ from their own. It is important to respect the client’s needs, even if there are stark differences, as long as the counselor does not violate ethical standards. Second, I now have a greater appreciation for the significance of cultural competence. Understanding different cultures is vital to providing ethical and effective counseling. Each culture has unique norms, customs, and values that impact counseling processes, making it essential for counselors to become culturally fluent in their practice. Conclusion The satisfaction in counseling comes from the relationships built with clients and colleagues, and these relationships must be nurtured within the ethical boundaries set by the profession. Counselors must carefully navigate ethical dilemmas, establish and maintain boundaries, and collaborate with others in the best interest of the client. By doing so, counselors not only uphold the integrity of the profession but also contribute meaningfully to the well-being of those they serve.
References
American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.phf Ashley, M. (2018). The working alliance, beliefs about the supervisor, and counseling self-efficacy: Applying the relational efficacy model to counselor supervision. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 65(4), 512-522. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=2018-33326-008&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1 Corey, G., Corey, M. S., Corey, C. & Callanan, P. (2014). Issues and ethics in the helping professions, (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions | WebViewer (gcu.edu) Hartmann, E. (1997). The concept of Boundaries in counseling and psychotherapy. British Journal of Guidance & Counseling, 25(1), 147-148. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=9707024743&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1 Nickel, M. (2004). Professional boundaries: The dilemma of dual & multiple relationships in rural clinical practice. Counseling & Clinical Psychology Journal, 1(1), 17–22. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=12167361&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1 O’Hara, K., Duchschere, J., Shanholtz, C., Reznik, S., Beck, C., & Lawrence, E. (2019). Multidisciplinary partnership: Targeting aggression and mental health problems of adolescents in detentions. American Psychologist, 74(3), 329-342. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edswss&AN=000463341400006&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1 Oramas, J. (2017). Counseling ethics: Overview of challenges, responsibilities, and recommended practices. Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 9(3), 47-58. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128640003&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1 Wilcoxon, S., Remley, Jr., T., & Gladding, S. (2017). Ethical, legal, and professional issues in the practice of marriage and family therapy (5th ed.). Pearson Education.

Reflection

Ethics have always been central to my thinking, speaking, and behavior. Although I have lived my personal ethics imperfectly, I have had a high and clear set of principles that have guided my moral development and behavior since I was a child. I see nothing in the ACA Code of Ethics, as considered in the artifact above, that contradicts the values that lie at the core of who I am. Where I have grown the most in this program, with respect to my ethics, is in the understanding of process-related, reporting-related, relationship-related, and other areas of ethics that are unique to the profession of counseling. Further, to know the code in the abstract and to work and live by it during my practicums and internships have been quite different. The difference lies in how often I encounter gray areas on the fringes of ethical and unethical. Then is when I turn to my site supervisor and other clinic staff. The other difference lies in the practical, real-time application. Reading about it is one thing, dealing with it with a live client sitting in front of you is different. Where I am focusing the most on my ethical development is recognizing in my clinic the circumstances that present what can be practical and gray-area vaguaries that I can not afford to misunderstand.

Relevant ACA Code of Ethics Standard & CACREP Common Core Area Standards

ACA Code of Ethics Standard: C.2.g Impairment

"Counselors monitor themselves for signs of impairment from their own physical, mental, or emotional problems and refrain from offering or providing professional services when impaired. They seek assistance for problems that reach the level of professional impairment, and, if necessary, they limit, suspend, or terminate their professional responsibilities until it is determined that they may safely resume their work. Counselors assist colleagues or supervisors in recognizing their own professional impairment and provide consultation and assistance when warranted with colleagues or supervisors showing signs of impairment and intervene as appropriate to prevent imminent harm to clients."

CACREP Common Core Area Standards: 2.F.1.l, 2.F.1.k

"The eight common core areas represent the foundational knowledge required of all entry-level counselor education graduates. Therefore, counselor education programs must document where each of the lettered standards listed below is covered in the curriculum. . . Standard 2.F.1.i: Ethical standards of professional counseling organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling. . . Standard 2.F.1.k: Strategies for personal and professional self-evaluation and implications for practice."

"Your ethics is not something you have or do, or the way you behave. It is an aspect of your very essence: the 'you' that experiences you perceiving, thinking, feeling, and experiencing."       -JHC

Self-Awareness

Last update: March 9, 2025

Artifact

Self-Reflection (Self-Awareness/SOLER) James H. Cook College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University Counseling Skills Dr. Brandon Wilde February 23, 2022 Self-Reflection One of the most important personal characteristics a counselor should cultivate is self-awareness. Through self-awareness, one understands who they are, what they know and do not know, their strengths and weaknesses, and whether they are growing or stagnating in essential areas of knowledge and skill. For this reason, I consider self-awareness the most crucial of the ten counselor dispositions: psychological fitness, self-awareness, cultural diversity, acceptance, empathy, genuineness, flexibility, patience, amiability, and professional identity (Grand Canyon University, 2018). Without strong, honest self-awareness, it is impossible to accurately assess one’s standing in these characteristics. The Counseling Skills course has focused on increasing self-awareness regarding clinical skills, honing those skills, and developing a clearer understanding of where and how further improvement is needed. These elements form the essence of this self-reflection. The remainder of this paper will briefly examine significant lessons learned regarding clinical skills, including any surprises. I will also discuss my skills-related strengths and weaknesses and outline a plan to enhance my skills moving forward. Finally, I will explore the role and importance of supervision during licensure preparation and the ongoing value of consultant-counselors for career-long professional development. The Most Significant Information Learned The most significant realization I had was how much I will genuinely enjoy being a counselor. Given my past experiences mentoring, advising, and providing informal counsel, I assumed I had a strong grasp on my level of enthusiasm for professional counseling. However, this course—and particularly the recorded mock sessions—demonstrated that my passion for counseling is even greater than I expected. Helping clients share their stories, distinguish cause and effect, explore deeper meaning (Sackett & Cook, 2021), and develop self-awareness on their journey toward solutions is both fascinating and deeply rewarding. I was not surprised by any specific skills covered in the course, but I did find that consistently using open-ended questions in a counseling session was more challenging than I had anticipated. Skills and Dispositional Strengths and Weaknesses While my strengths and weaknesses can best be analyzed through the lens of counseling dispositions, I will first address the SOLER skills. In the mock counseling sessions, I demonstrated strong SOLER skills: I faced the client squarely, maintained an open posture, leaned forward, made solid eye contact, and remained relaxed. However, I need to position myself more directly toward the client and adopt a slightly more open posture. Additionally, I must continue improving my ability to ask open-ended questions effectively. Regarding the counseling dispositions, I have spent decades engaging in self-improvement efforts, consistently seeking to end each day as a better person than the day before. As part of this process, I have cultivated self-awareness through introspection, meditation, and soliciting candid feedback from others. As a result, self-awareness is a strength of mine. However, I can sometimes overanalyze situations, leading to unnecessary self-doubt and self-blame (Murdoch, 2017). Empathy is another strong suit. I have a highly sensitive ability to perceive others’ emotions, even when they attempt to conceal them. While this capacity enhances my effectiveness as a counselor, I must be cautious not to allow heightened empathy to cloud my objectivity (Meier & Davis, 2011). Lastly, I have been consistently described as a genuine, down-to-earth individual. Authenticity is essential to me, and I strongly reject pretense. This trait facilitates the development of rapport with clients. However, in my past role as a faculty member, I sometimes leaned too far toward informality. While I always maintained ethical boundaries, I will need to ensure that my professional demeanor in counseling remains appropriately structured without becoming too rigid. The Practicum, Supervision, and Consultant Counselors Several key actions will support my professional growth during practicum and internship. First, I will continue expanding my counseling knowledge both within and beyond formal coursework. Second, I will maintain relationships with experienced counselor mentors, drawing on their expertise. Finally, I plan to actively engage in my state ACA chapter, taking advantage of learning opportunities available to student members. Supervision will be essential as I progress toward licensure. Under an experienced counselor’s guidance, I will gain real-time insights into applying theoretical knowledge to practical counseling situations. Supervision will also provide structured accountability, ensuring that I continue developing my skills effectively. Furthermore, in the future, I may seek additional supervision when adopting a new counseling modality that does not require formal training but in which I lack experience. Seeking supervision in such cases is not only beneficial but also an ethical responsibility. Similarly, I plan to seek guidance from consultant-counselors as needed. Whether dealing with a challenging client, unfamiliar disorder, or complex ethical dilemma, consulting with experienced professionals will reinforce my decision-making process and enhance my skill set (Egan & Reese, 2019). Additionally, I would enjoy serving as a consultant-counselor later in my career, as I have long found fulfillment in mentoring others. Conclusion This course has provided an invaluable opportunity to apply and refine counseling skills in a practical context. While I possess several strengths, I also recognize the areas where I need continued growth. I look forward to developing my skills further, both during my training and throughout my counseling career.

References
Grand Canyon University (2018). Counselor Dispositions. GCU Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Egan, G. & Reese, R. (2019). The skilled helper: A problem-management & opportunity- development approach to helping (11th ed.). Cengage. Meier, S. T., & Davis, S. R. (2011). The elements of counseling. Brooks/Cole. Murdock, N.L. (2017). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A case approach (4th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.

Reflection

Over the past several years, my counseling skills, particularly in using the SOLER framework (Squarely facing the client, Open posture, Leaning in, Eye contact, and Relaxed demeanor), have deepened and matured through intentional effort and dedicated practice. Initially, while I understood the principles of active listening and nonverbal engagement, I sometimes found myself focusing more on the technical execution of these skills rather than on their seamless integration into natural, flowing conversations. However, through extensive reading on interpersonal communication, counseling techniques, and psychological theory, I have refined my ability to use SOLER skills in a way that feels both instinctive and authentic. One of my greatest strengths has always been my commitment to learning. I have approached my growth in SOLER skills much as a writer hones their craft—by closely studying those who do it well. By observing experienced counselors and other skilled communicators, I have gained deeper insights into how seemingly small nonverbal cues can create a profound sense of connection and trust. I have watched how masterful counselors use subtle shifts in posture to convey warmth, how they calibrate eye contact to match a client’s comfort level, and how their relaxed presence fosters an environment where clients feel safe to open up. In my own practice, I have mindfully incorporated these observations, refining my ability to make my nonverbal communication an extension of my genuine empathy and attentiveness. At the same time, I have worked diligently to overcome areas where I once struggled. Early on, I sometimes leaned in too eagerly, which could come across as intrusive rather than engaged. Learning to temper my enthusiasm with a more nuanced understanding of personal space and client comfort has been an important area of growth. Likewise, I have developed greater awareness of the subtle balance required in maintaining eye contact—ensuring it communicates presence and attention without becoming overwhelming. Above all, I have learned that the true power of SOLER skills lies not in rigidly following a checklist but in their ability to foster genuine human connection. By integrating these principles into my everyday interactions, I have grown more attuned to the unspoken aspects of communication. Whether in formal counseling settings or in casual conversations, I now find that my posture, facial expressions, and gestures naturally align with my intent to be present, open, and engaged. This ongoing process of refinement has not only strengthened my professional competence but has also enriched my relationships in all areas of life.

Relevant ACA Code of Ethics Standard & CACREP Common Core Area Standards

ACA Code of Ethics Standard: B.1.a Multicultural/Diversity Considerations; C.2.a Boundaries of Competence

B.1.a - "Counselors maintain awareness and sensitivity regarding cultural meanings of confdentiality and privacy. Counselors respect differing views toward disclosure of information. Counselors hold ongoing discussions with clients as to how, when, and with whom information is to be shared."

C.2.a - "Counselors practice only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience. Whereas multicultural counseling competency is required across all counseling specialties, counselors gain knowledge, personal awareness, sensitivity, dispositions, and skills pertinent to being a culturally competent counselor in working with a diverse client population."

CACREP Common Core Area Standards: 2.F.2.d, 2.F.1.k

"The eight common core areas represent the foundational knowledge required of all entry-level counselor education graduates. Therefore, counselor education programs must document where each of the lettered standards listed below is covered in the curriculum. . . Standard 2.F.2.d: The impact of heritage, attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and acculturative experiences on an individual’s views of others  . . . Standard 2.F.1.k: Strategies for personal and professional self-evaluation and implications for practice."

"Self-awareness is the result of the light introspection shines on the truths of who we are. Therefore, to the extent someone lacks self-awareness , they are a stranger to themselves and to others."       
-JHC

Frequently asked questions

Why did you decide to become a counselor/ psychotherapist?

What makes you believe you will be good at it?

Is confidentiality guaranteed?

Do you know any good jokes?

Get in touch

My "Why?"

I decided to become a counselor because I believe in the power of human connection to heal, restore, and guide people toward growth. My life has been shaped by a deep sense of purpose—helping others navigate their struggles with clarity, resilience, and hope. Through my own experiences and the wisdom of those who have mentored me, I have come to see that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in relationship. Counseling allows me to walk alongside people in their darkest moments, but also to help them develop life practices that bring greater effectiveness, contentment, and abundance. Whether it's navigating relationship challenges, managing stress and anxiety, finding meaning and direction, or building confidence in their abilities, I want to equip people with the tools to thrive — or even better, reveal the tools they already have and do not realize it or need help further developing them. I don’t see counseling as merely a profession but as a calling—one that challenges me to grow, to listen more deeply, and to meet people where they are with both truth and compassion. In a world where so many feel unseen and unheard, I want to be someone who truly sees, truly hears, and helps others discover the strength they already carry within them.

I am So Glad You Asked!

As I step into the counseling profession, I believe my background and life experiences have uniquely equipped me to connect with and help others. For 30 years as a university educator and 37 years in ministry**, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of people, their struggles, and the importance of offering genuine support. Through living in diverse cultures and seeking mentorship at every stage of my life, I’ve learned how to truly see people for who they are, understanding not just their words but also the nuances of their nonverbal cues—whether it’s micro-expressions or subtle shifts in the body that reveal deeper emotional truths.

(** - I only bring religion into the counseling process if/when a client wishes to do so. I am perfectly comfortable counseling without judgment anyone who practices any faith, wisdom tradition, or neither.) I am deeply attuned to the human need for presence—being truly heard, seen, and understood without distraction. Throughout my own life, I’ve found that much of what people need from a counselor is what I’ve often needed from friends, family, colleagues and counselors: undistracted attention, compassion, empathy, authenticity, and a safe, confidential space. I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of active listening. To give what I have received in this case boils down to seeing what I'm looking at, hearing what I am listening to, and either just listening, offering wisdom without judgment, or doing some of both. My ability to observe, connect, and offer insight in ways that are both compassionate and practical is what I bring to this field. Though I’m just beginning my new career in counseling, my decades of personal growth - having experienced the Mount Everests of "wonderful" and the Marianna Trenches of "terrible" and everything in between; mentorship by many incredible men and women; and professional experience have prepared me to walk alongside others with the same authenticity and understanding that has served me throughout my own journey.
However . . . I have so very much to learn. I always will and always will love it! Learning is one of life's greatest joys and the ladder to becoming our best possible selves, fulfilling our dearest aspirations, and simply experiencing being in its fullest and richest form. 

Confidentiality is Guaranteed . . . With Rare Exceptions

Everything you say to me is confidential, and I take every precaution to protect your privacy during, between, and after our counseling sessions. I encourage you to ask me any questions you'd like concerning about the confidentiality of the process. But I must tell, there are some exceptions to the rule of confidentiality. Arkansas statute and the ethical standards of my profession require that I report to the appropriate individuals/ organizations threats of harm to oneself, threats of harm to others, and/or suspected child or elder abuse – if the client is the victim or perpetrator.

Here's a "Dad Joke" for You

How many counselors does it take to change a light bulb? It depends. First, the light bulb needs to want to change.

Let's talk.

I'll get in touch with you to schedule an appointment for you.

JimCIT@gmail.com
+1-555-666-7777