About James Farmer
Like many, I struggled with the transition from high school to college. I was unsure of what I wanted to pursue in life and confused on how to handle this lack of direction. Without the wise guidance of another, the discomfort of this uncertainty had me turn to substance abuse which developed into addiction. Over the course of four years my addiction dismantled nearly all the opportunity, relationship, and health that I had. In 2010 I finally reached a rock bottom where I had to face myself and begin the long journey out of the wreckage I had created. Today I look back at that time as one of the greatest blessing in my life. For it was through my own personal struggle that I developed the insight and understanding that I now get to use in my work with others.
I have worked with young adults over the last 7 years as a wilderness therapy field guide, a residential treatment program staff, and now in private practice. In this time I have witnessed, time and time again, the transformational power of a mentor relationship. It is my belief that we each hold an important gift to be discovered, developed, and contributed to the world and it is by facing and going through the challenges of life that we discover these gifts, reclaiming a sense of self worth and confidence in the process.
I work with my clients to identify direction, face obstacles, and claim the wisdom and learning through the process. This relational approach of mentoring has yielded success for many clients and a rich continual learning for myself. I have certifications and trainings as a Peer Support Specialist, in addiction counseling, motivational interviewing, and numerous emotional distress techniques. Also working part-time as an EMT on the ambulance, I enjoy spending my free time playing basketball, getting into nature with some camping and mountain biking, or spending quality time with my wife. I believe that an authentic approach to coaching is crucial and therefore endeavor to demonstrate, by the example of my own life, a way of living that would inspire others.