About Me
As an instructor:
BJ draws from a power-with dynamic, encouraging his students to practice open communication, honesty, and authenticity in the classroom, as well as in their coursework. BJ believes that the most valuable learning takes place when students can contribute and explore their confusion(s) in an environment that is free of judgment and harmful assumptions. BJ focuses on equity as his guide in developing course curricula and syllabi, while also inviting the invaluable feedback of those impacted the most by these course guidelines and expectations: students.
If one is taking a course with BJ, they can expect to be respected, challenged, encouraged to share independent thoughts, and, overall, develop a deeper understanding of the course content through a social justice lens. By emboldening students to recognize the impact of injustices, marginalization, and inequities experienced by minoritized communities, BJ hopes to shape the way our campus shows up to support those who need it most.
As a licensed therapist:
BJ is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who's intentional about creating a safe, honest and nurturing environment that encourages the use of humor and curiosity in your journey towards healing. BJ is passionate about helping individuals find their voice by recognizing that one鈥檚 softness and tenderness is a valuable strength -- not a weakness. He believes that in order to understand people, we must also be aware of the systems they reside within and how they impact an individual鈥檚 access to resources and, overall, mental health. Because of this, he seeks to hold space especially for BIPOC individuals who find it difficult to explore vulnerability with someone who hasn鈥檛 experienced otherness, oppression, and trauma unique to persons of color.
Specialty & Approach: BJ draws from a relational-cultural approach, believing that connectedness and connections to others are the gateways to growth and healing. Through a power-with dynamic, he works with clients to break cycles of transgenerational trauma in order to create new paths, traditions, and coping strategies that make sense for them and their truth(s). Believing that our past selves deserve grace, just as much as our present and future selves, BJ aims to assist clients in navigating the unexpected and negative feelings that oftentimes come up during one鈥檚 mental health journey.
In his previous clinical experience as Postmaster's Fellow at IntraSpectrum Counseling, BJ has worked with clients coping with body image concerns, trauma, grief/loss, men鈥檚 issues, guilt and shame, (racial) identity development, perfectionism, vulnerability, and navigating oppressive systems.
In his personal life:
BJ enjoys spoiling his pitbull rescue, classic & modern anime, and discovering new music with retro/nostalgic undertones. Lastly, I am always open to debating which Beyonc茅 album is the greatest of all time (HANDS DOWN...."4", no if's, and's, or but's).