Rev. Dr. James R. Watson
Bowie,USA
Summary
Compassionate pastor and mental health therapist skilled in religious orthopraxis, orthodoxy and pluralism. Likewise, knowledgeable in crisis intervention, empathy development, and trauma-informed care. Dedicated to facilitating effective therapy sessions that enhance client coping strategies and spiritual wellness.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
(AMFM) Mission Connection
Falls Church, VA
10.2024 - 05.2025
- Facilitated individual and group therapy (psychoeducational, process, CBT, DBT, emotional regulation, substance abuse awareness and relapse prevention sessions to enhance client coping strategies.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as necessary for optimal results.
- Facilitated family therapy sessions to support communication, boundary setting, and healthy relationships among family members affected by mental health issues.
- Developed discharging planning towards aftercare.
Mental Health Therapist
North Spring Behavioral Health Center
Leesburg, VA
06.2022 - 01.2023
- Reduced client symptoms of anxiety and depression with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness exercises, and psychodynamic approaches.
- Advocated for clients' needs within the broader healthcare system when necessary to ensure access to appropriate resources or accommodations during the treatment process.
- Established strong rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues.
Family Counselor
Phillips Schools
Annandale, VA
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Rendered mental health and counseling services to adolescents population in home on a weekly basis focusing on development of healthy relationships within the family dynamics.
- Maintained accurate and thoroughly documented notes and client records in accordance with licensing standards.
- Encouraged individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for constructively confronting problems.
Social Work (MSW) Intern
Lutheran Social Services National Capital Region
Washington DC
01.2018 - 08.2020
- Provide regular home visits to program participants, delivering education and coaching on prenatal care, infant/child health, breastfeeding, parenting, nutrition, and safe sleep.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments (health, psychosocial, safety, developmental) for mothers, infants, and families.
- Assisted with case management for youth, placed in foster care for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program (URM) in the Virginia region.
- Maintained case history records and prepare reports (i.e.: court reports, treatment plans, contact notes, and monthly reports)
Elder
Allen Memorial Church of God in Christ
Mount Vernon, NY
01.2018 - 08.2020
- Supervised associate pastors and staff leading education, youth, pastoral care, and older adult ministry programs.
- Facilitated small group discussions aimed at deepening participants' understanding of core biblical principles and themes.
- Taught Sunday school and led prayer vigils.
Chaplain Intern/Resident
Westchester Medical Center
Valhalla, NY
09.2016 - 09.2018
- Provided spiritual care and support to patients, families and hospital staff in critical situations.
- Conducted regular hospital rounds to assess spiritual needs and offer comfort to patients.
- Delivered meaningful sermons, engaging audiences with thought-provoking messages relevant to their lives.
- Facilitated spirituality groups within the behavioral health units.
- Submitted spirituality (S.O.A.P) notes in a timely manner.
- Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.
Assistant Pastor
St. Paul Harvest Hope Church
Massapequa, NY
06.2010 - 01.2015
- Provided pastoral care to congregants through one-on-one counseling sessions, addressing their spiritual and emotional needs.
- Led weekly Bible studies focused on deepening understanding of scripture passages relevant to contemporary issues.
- Delivered thought-provoking sermons that encouraged congregants to challenge their beliefs and grow spiritually.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
Education
Ph.D. - Psychological/ Counseling Studies / Pastoral Couns
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05-2025
Master of Arts - Social Work
Fordham University
Bronx, NY05-2022
Master of Arts - Master of Divinity/Chaplain Ministry
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05-2017
Bachelor of Science - Biblical And Theological Studies
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05-2015
Skills
- Psychotherapy techniques
- Anxiety management
- Crisis intervention
- Behavior modification
- Empathy development
- Substance abuse treatment
- Trauma-informed care
- Pastoral care
- Spiritual formation
- Four Clinical Pastoral Education units (CPE)
Affiliations
Association of Professional Chaplaincy
National Association of Social Workers
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
(AMFM) Mission Connection
10.2024 - 05.2025
Mental Health Therapist
North Spring Behavioral Health Center
06.2022 - 01.2023
Family Counselor
Phillips Schools
01.2021 - 01.2022
Social Work (MSW) Intern
Lutheran Social Services National Capital Region
01.2018 - 08.2020
Elder
Allen Memorial Church of God in Christ
01.2018 - 08.2020
Chaplain Intern/Resident
Westchester Medical Center
09.2016 - 09.2018
Assistant Pastor
St. Paul Harvest Hope Church
06.2010 - 01.2015
Master of Arts - Social Work
Fordham University
Master of Arts - Master of Divinity/Chaplain Ministry
Regent University
Bachelor of Science - Biblical And Theological Studies
Regent University
Ph.D. - Psychological/ Counseling Studies / Pastoral Couns
Regent University