Jim Berman, MA, LMHC, LCAC, NCC, has been a psychotherapist for 25 years.  As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, he has worked in private practice, mental health agencies, child protective services, substance abuse programs, and military counseling programs.  Jim earned his Masters at the University of South Florida in Mental Health Counseling and his Bachelors at Virginia Commonwealth University in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Working with a counselor can be one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences a person undertakes. It takes courage to address emotional, mental health, relationship, behavioral, and addiction issues.  Jim understands that it is necessary to feel comfortable and safe in the counseling relationship.  This therapeutic relationship is built upon trust because it is often feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, and resentment that motivate us to make change.  Clients often ask Jim, "How can you help me?  How long will this take?  How can I get my life back?  Will I ever feel normal again?"

While there are no set answers to these questions, Jim utilizes a variety of counseling strategies and tools to guide clients toward finding "their answers and their solutions." Some issues and situations that individuals are addressing have been present for years.  It is reasonable to understand that meaningful change occurs sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, if we are willing to work for it. These changes can be the most meaningful and enduring.

Jim's clinical orientation is evidence based, utilizing several therapeutic models.  There is no "one size fits all."  Clients need the method of counseling that meets their individual needs and situation.  Jim is an eclectic therapist.  In his work with clients, he utilizes:

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Humanist / Client Centered Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy, and
• Imagery, Metaphor, and Experiential Exercises.

Jim began his career in 1990 as a counselor at an adolescent residential treatment program. Throughout graduate school, he worked as a therapist at an intensive residential eating disorders program, working with individuals to overcome compulsive overeating, bulimia, and restrictive eating patterns.

In 1994, Jim moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. There he worked as a therapist at a small counseling agency. He counseled individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. Jim also provided services for the City's Employee Assistance Program and was the Clinical Preceptor at the U.S. Navy’s Counseling and Assistance Center (CAAC) at the Naval Air Station Hospital, Corpus Christi, Texas, where he worked with active service members who were addressing addiction issues.

In 1997 after relocating to Ohio, Jim served as the Clinical Supervisor at Richland County Children’s Services in Mansfield, Ohio. He worked with children who had been exposed to severe trauma and abuse, and were adapting to their adoptive families. In his private practice, Jim provided individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy, working extensively with families.

In 2004 after moving to Northwest Indiana, Jim was hired at Southlake Center for Mental Health / Regional Mental Health, where he managed three residential substance abuse and detoxification programs.

In 2015, Jim returned full-time to his passion of counseling in a private practice. Jim invites clients to meet with him and explore the options available for experiencing a happier, more fulfilling and meaningful life. Jim wants everyone he works with to feel welcomed and safe.

Jim has been married for 27 years. He has two daughters and four granddaughters. Now in his 29th year of recovery, Jim enjoys gardening, travel, ethnic foods, and especially his three Maltese dogs.