Jimmy believes counseling is a collaborative process. As a therapist he has knowledge of the DSM, counseling approaches, and coping skills. However, he doesn’t have the knowledge of a client’s thoughts, feelings and lived experience-that’s where the client comes in. For him, counseling is a process where the therapist and client work together with their respective knowledge to address whatever is important to the client. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a previous diagnosis, or trauma. It can be stress from work, the news, or needing another person to talk to. He likes to use the analogy of cleaning out an attic for therapy. Like hiring a person to clean or redecorate home, a therapist can help to sort through, or change perspective on the thoughts and feelings in the mind. Whether there’s a “full renovation” or a “light dusting” of the mind is totally up to the client. His job as a therapist is to give the tools needed to reach the client’s goals with mental health. He believes counseling is an important part of my overall wellness and I believe in “walking the talk” which is why he sees his own therapist.
He has experience with mood disorders like depression, and bipolar disorder. Jimmy also has experience with anxiety and PTSD, as well as coping with stressful life situations like grief, domestic violence, and disabilities.
Jimmy earned his Bachelor Degree in Neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati and his Master’s of Education in Clinical Counseling from Youngstown State University. He is also a member of the Ohio Counseling Association.
When asked what he’s awesome at, Jimmy replied, “I am an avid crocheter, you can find me working on amigurumi, blankets, and the occasional granny square. I’m also known for dad jokes – I have a vast rolodex of puns that I use with friends and family.”
