Meet Jamee, Brave Grand Rapids Counselor and Book Enthusiast
MEET JAMEE, BRAVE GRAND RAPIDS COUNSELOR AND BOOK ENTHUSIAST
Jamee joined the Brave team in 2021 with a desire to help people in the Grand Rapids area lead healthier, more fulfilled lives. She is a strong believer that people are creative, resourceful, and relational, but understands that sometimes life can be messy and stressful, making it difficult to tap into those qualities.
Jamee’s approach to counseling involves drawing upon the strengths of her clients, while using solution-focused techniques, mindfulness, existential philosophy, and person-oriented therapies, to help each individual in their journey toward more peace, confidence, and wholeness.
We sat down with Jamee to learn more about her and what inspires her to help lead emotionally healthy lives.
WHAT LED YOU TO A CAREER IN COUNSELING?
I’ve always enjoyed getting to know people and what makes them who they are.
In college, I studied social work with the intent to go to grad school someday. However, when I graduated from college in 2008, there were not a lot of opportunities available, so I ended up working several jobs that left me feeling unfulfilled. I knew I still wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to help people, so I decided to go to grad school to study counseling.
After graduating with my MA in Counseling, I got married and took some time off to focus on my growing family. Over the last several years, I’ve enjoyed spending time with my family and volunteering at local nonprofits, but the desire to continue my career in counseling never left.
WHAT ARE SOME AREAS THAT INTEREST YOU WITHIN THE WORK YOU DO?
I enjoy learning about and leveraging different tools that assess personality or character strengths such as the Enneagram, Strengthsfinder, MBTI, and VIA (Values in Action Inventory). Resources like these can be a great way to learn more about yourself and a starting point for deeper exploration in therapy.
I am also interested in helping individuals navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, self-exploration, spiritual issues, and major life transitions.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
I love watching people become fully alive. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone grow and begin to view their situations with self-compassion and kindness.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CLIENTS (OR SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING COUNSELING) TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Counseling is a safe place for people to share their stories, unpack concerns, and learn to practice self-evaluation. I approach each person as the unique individual they are, drawing upon their strengths, and creating a space where they can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment.
I also think it is important to note that while there may be occasions or seasons where change is quick and easy, more often than not, change is a gradual process involving a lot of time and patience.
WHAT DOES SELF-CARE MEAN TO YOU? HOW DO YOU PRACTICE THIS IN YOUR OWN LIFE?
Self-care means doing what you need to do for yourself that particular day. Some days that might look like getting extra sleep, and other days it may look like getting out of bed and tackling your to-do list. It is important to be in-tune with what your body and mind need, and willing to make those things a priority.
In my own life, self-care looks like doing what I can to make space to meet my own needs. I have three small kids, so there's not a lot of free time, but I try to do one thing that makes me feel good each day.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE BRAVE?
Being brave is listening to what’s deep in your heart and doing it.
WHAT HAS BEING A COUNSELOR TAUGHT YOU?
Being a counselor has taught me that people are incredibly resilient.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
That not every day is going to be an “A” day, some days are going to be “C” days or maybe even worse, but we will have the opportunity to try again tomorrow. Every day is a new day.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR CAREER?
I love reading (I try to read a book a week) and being outside, especially in the summer. Prior to Covid, we enjoyed the outdoors by going to free outdoor concerts, taking trips to Lake Michigan during Golden Hour, or walking to downtown Ada for coffee or ice cream.
I also love spending time with my family, I have three little boys, so we spend a lot of time playing with legos and trucks or hide and seek.
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
After being grounded for almost a year (thanks, COVID), I would love to travel just about anywhere!
WHAT IS AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU?
I have a lot of nicknames! Joms, Jomster, Jams, and James to name a few….but there are more.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING COUNSELING?
Don’t be afraid to give it a try! It can take some time to feel comfortable with the process, but it is so worth it. Also, going to counseling does not make you weird or weak. I'm not here to judge you, I am here to hold space for you.
To schedule an appointment with Jamee or one of our other licensed counselors, click the link below.
