James Harper (Jay) is a retired professional firefighter/paramedic in Southwest Florida with over 39 years of experience in the field. Jay has been a paramedic for 32 years and he is also a cancer survivor. Having retired from the fire profession, he has chosen a new career path in the mental health counseling profession, graduating from Hodges University with a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016.

Using both education and experience in the field, Jay would like to continue by helping fire, police, EMT’s, paramedics and first responders outside of work. Often these professional men and women are at risk of experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, family difficulties and addiction. Jay is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) used to assist clients with all forms of trauma.

Jay works with children, adolescents, and adults. He does individual, couple and family therapy. As a father of 6 Jay is no stranger to the ups and downs related to parenting and the challenges our children go through. He uses play to help children express themselves and build connections with parents. He works with sex and porn addiction as well as betrayal trauma. He is a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), with IITAP. He did his internship at Abuse Counseling Treatment (ACT) – working with both adults and children affected by domestic violence. He is currently working on his Certification as a Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). He is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), facilitates DBT skills groups as well as mindfulness in the group setting.

During Jay’s cancer treatment he realized the need for mental health support for cancer patients and their families. Positive coping and mental health support are crucial throughout the entire treatment process including post treatment.

Jay’s goal is to establish a positive client/counselor relationship built on trust. He uses insight and connection to assist each client to find their voice and their way through whatever brings them in. He has been known to use music, art and meditation. He is open minded and thinks out of the box.

Our sons and daughters can never have too many positive male role models in their lives. All children can use an ally as they begin to figure out who they want to be, and how they can get there. It takes courage to take the first step. If you are ready, Jay is here to accompany you as you walk through your journey with a mix of support and challenge.

Please call for an appointment.