Cognitive behavioral therapy
Exploring the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions, then practicing more helpful ways to respond.
Mental Health & Substance Use Counseling
Jerome
West.
You are worth the work.
I listen to understand who you are, what you’ve experienced and who you’re becoming. Whether you’re navigating addiction, emotional distress or patterns that keep you feeling stuck, my approach begins with seeing you as a whole person. You can expect acceptance and encouragement alongside honest conversations, thoughtful challenge and accountability as we work toward the changes that matter to you.
Three connected perspectivesLICDCIndependent substance use counselingLPCMental health counseling with clinical supervisionOCPCPrevention & community health
My LICDC is an independent substance use counseling qualification. My LPC mental health counseling work requires clinical supervision.
The person behind the work
Understanding people.
Supporting change.
My experience spans direct care, program leadership, prevention, and education. Across these roles, I have learned to pay attention to the whole person: their story, their strengths, and the circumstances shaping their life.
Addiction counseling, mental health counseling, and prevention each bring something important to my perspective. Together, they inform my commitment to helping people build understanding, recognize possibilities, and take meaningful steps forward.
What working with me
feels like
When you sit with me, I want you to have room to be yourself without feeling that you have to hide the difficult parts of your story. Your past matters because it helps us understand what you’ve carried, but it doesn’t tell us everything about your strengths or what is possible for your future. I’ll take time to understand your perspective, recognize the resilience you bring and explore what you want to be different.
I believe support includes being willing to have honest conversations. I’ll listen carefully, offer feedback and challenge patterns that may be getting in the way of your goals. We’ll share responsibility for the work: I bring presence, guidance and clinical knowledge, while you bring your experience, your goals and your participation. When progress feels slow or setbacks happen, we’ll look at what’s getting in the way and what needs to change in our approach.
How I approach counseling
How we work
toward change
Painful experiences can influence the way we think about ourselves long after those experiences have passed. Sometimes those thoughts feel like the same record playing repeatedly, making it difficult to recognize another possibility. Counseling gives us space to examine those beliefs, understand the patterns connected to them and practice different ways of responding.
I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, reality therapy and motivational interviewing to help connect insight with action. Depending on your goals, that may involve developing coping skills, understanding patterns in substance use, exploring the relationship between emotional distress and behavior, or practicing choices that support the life you want to build. We’ll revisit what you’re learning and how it is working outside our conversations.
Change asks something of us, and parts of the process can feel uncomfortable. I’ll respect your readiness while encouraging you to engage honestly in the work, with room to adjust the pace and recognize progress that may not always be obvious. You deserve care and respect throughout that process, including during the difficult parts.
My graduate training in pastoral counseling also informs my belief that faith, spirituality, and a sense of meaning can have a place in the counseling conversation.
Reality therapy
Focusing on your present situation, what you want to be different, and the choices within your influence.
Motivational interviewing
Making room for uncertainty while helping you explore your own reasons, strengths, and readiness for change.
Faith & spirituality integration
When meaningful to you, integrating faith and spirituality into reflection, coping, and personal growth. Your beliefs and preferences guide this conversation, with respect for people of all faiths and no religious affiliation.
The concerns closest to my heart
Professional interests:
Addiction, recovery and emotional health.
My professional interests center on adolescents and adults, with a particular commitment to men and adolescent boys. I care about making room for honest conversations, emotional health, and the possibility of change.
Addiction & recovery
I’m passionate about supporting people navigating addiction, with particular interests in alcohol and cannabis concerns. I value dignity, practical change, and the strengths people bring to recovery.
Co-occurring concerns
ADHD, depression, and anxiety are close to my heart, particularly when they occur alongside substance use concerns. I believe people deserve to have their full experience heard and understood.
Men’s & adolescent boys’ emotional health
I want to make it easier for men and boys to name what they feel, speak honestly, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Faith & mental health
My faith is important to me. I’m passionate about connecting faith communities with mental health support, while respecting each person’s beliefs and preferences.
Gambling-related harm
Understanding and addressing gambling-related harm is an area of continuing professional development for me. My specialized gambling credentialing is in progress.
Education & academic preparation
A foundation for
thoughtful care.
My education spans clinical counseling, healthcare administration, management, and faith-informed understanding. Each discipline contributes to how I listen, lead, and serve.
- DHA
Doctor of Healthcare Administration
Oklahoma State University2025
- MACC
Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
Winebrenner Theological Seminary2026
- MBA
Master of Business Administration
Healthcare Management
Western Governors University2024
- MAR
Master of Arts in Religion
Pastoral Counseling
Liberty University2010
- MRE
Master of Religious Education
Liberty University2010
- BA
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management
Malone University2008
- AAS
Associate of Applied Science in Human & Social Services
Stark State College2006
Beyond the Session
The conversation
continues.
I’m developing Beyond the Session as a place to share reflections on addiction, mental health, prevention, and the people behind these conversations.
The publication is in preparation. In the meantime, connect with me on LinkedIn.
Find me on LinkedIn