About
About Dr. James P. Norris
a/k/a “Dr. J” (From the D.O.C. to Doctor)
Dr. James Norris has over 20 years experience working with at-risk populations. He was born into a single-parent household in the Los Angeles area, where gangs, violence, drugs, and adversity loomed large. Despite the adversities and challenges, where many young males became products of the system, he went on to work as a Corrections Officer in the King County Jail in Seattle, Washington, and is now a licensed Doctor and healthcare provider.
“Education is the equalizer,” his mother’s words stayed his mind as he navigated the challenges of his youth. Dr. Norris held on to that notion like a lifeline, using it to fuel his aspirations both on and off the field. A student-athlete, he excelled not only academically but also as a standout high school football player, ranking among the Top 10 in California.
His skills on the field earned him a full athletic football scholarship to Western Illinois University, where he pursued a BA in Liberal Arts. He had dreams of playing in the NFL, and while an undrafted prospect, he signed a professional contract with the Arena Football League. After spending time in the Arena Football League, Dr. Norris decided if couldn’t obtain his dream of playing in the NFL, he would use his energy to give back to the community like he intended when his football career was over.
Dr. Norris didn’t have a clear picture of what his service to the community would be, but he knew he wanted to give to others in the way others gave to him. His pursuit of service to others led him to a role as a Corrections Officer at the King County Jail in Seattle, Washington, where he spent 11 years bearing witness to the struggles of incarcerated minorities facing severe mental and emotional challenges without access to professional help. It was here that the seeds of change were sown, and Dr. Norris decided to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Seattle University.
In his work as a practitioner, he discovered that most of the traditional counseling approaches lacked the cultural nuance and relevance to connect with communities of color. This inspired his decision to pursue a Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision, in order to educate students, counselors, and administrators using a framework specifically designed for effectively working with marginalized groups.
Today, Dr. James Norris is a licensed mental health counselor and Assistant Professor at the University of the Cumberlands, and the founder of “ithemba”, which provides the tools to help people become better equipped to face life’s challenges and shift from a state of hopelessness to hopefulness.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision, University of the Cumberlands (CACREP Accredited)
Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Seattle University
Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies, Western Illinois University
Credentials
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Washington) LH60691241
Licensed Professional Counselor (Arizona) LPC-19062
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (California) Pending
Care Model
Dr. Norris developed the CARE model as a proprietary approach to counseling and wellness in a therapeutic setting, focused on a transformation from hopelessness to hopefulness. This model provides the essential tools to help people become better equipped to face life’s challenges by relying on a self-directed process to achieve inner strength and tranquility.
Step 1:
Connectedness – a feeling of belonging to – or – having positive interaction with a person or group
Step 2:
Acknowledgement – the process of accepting ones’ reality, self worth, and reason for existence
Step 3:
Resilience – the process of adapting in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, or sources of stress
Step 4:
Emergence – a transformation from a state of anxiety, stress, or trauma to hope and wellness
Community Partnerships
We work with education, municipal, community, public and private organizations.
Education:
University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY)
- Full-time faculty in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
University of Tennessee at Martin (Martin, TN)
- Teaching general counseling skills (Masters Students)
- Mental Health Counseling Clinical Experience
Seattle University (Seattle, WA)
- Teaching Human Growth and Development
Los Angeles Valley College (Valley Glen, CA)
- Dual Enrollment Professor
- CTE Dual Enrollment Outreach
- Career Development
Municipal:
City of Seattle ( Department of Education and Early Learning)
- Professional Development for Educators (K-3)
- Social-Emotional Training
King County Juvenile Probation (Seattle)
- Social-Emotional Development, Mental Health and Case Management Program
Community Based Organizations:
Academix and Music to the Ears Foundation (Los Angeles, CA)
- Beats to Bliss (Music Arts Therapy and Wellness Program for K-12 students and adults)
Rainier Springs (Behavioral Health Organization)
- Professional Development training for Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologist
Bigger Dreams Better Tomorrows (Non-profit)
- Development of the Wellness Support Group for Nurses
Life Coaching 4 Kids Center (Phoenix, AZ)
- Clinical Director and Supervisor (Developed the Mental Health Counseling Program)