Jim Baxendale

Ph.D., LCMHC, CTSS, EMT-P

Jim is a veteran of two distinguished careers. He served on active military duty for 24 years, including 3 combat deployments. Following his retirement, he spent 20 years in emergency medicine as an EMT and paramedic while simultaneously holding an appointment as adjunct associate professor of psychology and operating a private practice.

He is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in both North Carolina and Vermont, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Park University in Kansas City, Missouri, with a dual major in psychology and business administration. He earned his M.A. degree in clinical psychology from Austin Peay State University; his MBA in management from Valdosta State University; and his Ph.D. in Health and Mental Health Services from Southwest University.

He is a Board Certified Trauma Services Specialist, and a Diplomate and Fellow of both the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the National Center for Crisis Management. He is an instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and has presented over 200 trainings and workshops in Critical Incident Stress Management, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Compassion Fatigue nationwide. He has responded to hundreds of critical incidents in the emergency services arena and the private sector, including at both the Pentagon and the World Trade Center following the events of September 11, 2001. No matter the situation, Jim firmly believes that within each of us are the solutions we seek. But we sometimes get caught behind that “speed bump in the road of life.” We literally can’t see the hope in a future because we are so focused on the small stuff that’s in our way right now. His passion is helping you identify your strengths and finding that solution.

Jim’s has over 40 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples, many of whom have experienced severe psychological trauma. Strongly related issues include depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment problems, and relationship issues. His approach is best described as eclectic, leaning heavily on cognitive processes. Techniques include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy while also drawing on psychodynamic practices such as free association and dream analysis. Faith-based counseling is also provided on request.