Bryan Jackson, MA, LLMSW

Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 679
Email: bjackson@secondstorycounseling.com

MSW - Grand Valley State University

My story has led me to believe that each person has an inherent ability to heal and grow with the right support and tools. Part of life will always be struggle and suffering but I love walking with people as the move towards growth in spite of and sometimes because of the difficulties of life.

When I'm not working, I enjoy being outside in all seasons as a hiker and wannabe naturalist. I also love movies, especially anything directed by Christopher Nolan or Wes Anderson, as well as the occasional novel. I also work at Hope College and love being with college students as a teacher and mentor.

My Approach

My approach stems from the belief that people have natural processes for healing and often we simply need to unlock that process. I take a holistic view of things, believing that mind, body, soul, and environment all need to be included to move towards growth. Most of my formal education is in trauma, including training in a process called Brainspotting which is designed to help people work through painful stories. I also have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and am interested in training in Internal Family Systems Therapy.

What you can expect

You can expect to be listened to and treated with dignity and respect regardless of where you come from or what your story is. I prefer to be flexible, knowing that each person has different needs in the process of counseling. Last, you can expect a collaborative approach where I may offer tools and strategies but ultimately know that I am simply one part of someone's journey towards becoming a better version of themselves.