Jim Goethel, M.A., LMFT, has 17 years experience treating individuals, families and groups of all ages struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, loss, addiction and psychosis. Working extensively with youth and adults involved in the justice system to help them understand the connection between decision making, outcomes and consequences to change destructive patterns, as well as with youth and adults struggling with developmental and learning disabilities, Jim brings an expansive repertoire of skills to the clients he serves.

 

As a Youth and Family Counselor working with Juvenile Probation, Jim earned Employee of the Year 3 times for outstanding service to youthful offenders and their families. He conducted in-home and school visits with hundreds of youth and families, frequently utilizing his skills in Spanish to help translate for Probation.

 

Additionally, Jim served in leadership roles at a San Diego nonprofit, beginning with Program Supervisor for 1 year, Clinical Supervisor for 8 years, and culminating as Director of Youth Development for 9 years. As Director, he was directly responsible for all staffing and budget management, and oversight of programs covering the juvenile justice spectrum from prevention to aftercare services; grant writing; program design and implementation; and providing input to the County by serving on the Probation Treatment Standards Committee, the Juvenile Justice Task Force, and the San Diego Trauma Informed Guide Team. “My professional passions include teaching Psychology at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and providing clinical supervision to trainees, registered interns and associates forging their paths through a career in mental health. It is inspiring to be a part of the development of the next generation of therapists! As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I try to help clients clarify their goals, identify obstacles to reaching those goals, and then work together collaboratively to determine the best method of navigating their lives and relationships to achieve personal fulfillment. I believe that attitude and perception significantly impact how individuals deal with pain and conflict, and that exploring problematic areas from different perspectives in a safe, nonjudgmental environment can transform and heal.”