JIM CONTOIS, MSW, LICSW, LADC

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
and Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor

Biography - "My approach is individualized, strength-based, and compassionate, assisting individuals to recognize barriers and empower themselves."

I enjoy being with people and have worked with them in various capacities for over 35 years. My experience is drawn from working in the fields of military, mental health, chemical dependency, vocational education, electrical trade (MN Master Electrician), and as a volunteer in reentry and respite care.

My areas of interest are your areas of concern: trauma/PTSD, incarceration/reentry, recovery, renewal, co-occurring disorders, substance use, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, communication, crisis intervention, and veteran issues of deployment/life/transitions. With over 10 years of experience using Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Illness Management, SMART Recovery, and Twelve-Step approaches, I have worked with individuals challenged by the impact of mental health and chemical dependency.

My approach is individualized, strength-based, and compassionate, assisting individuals to recognize barriers and empower themselves to have the courage to change the things they can and to learn acceptance for what they cannot change.  I have taken untold hours of education related to a wide variety of life, mental health, and substance use issues impacting the lives of individuals, their families, friends, and society. I have also completed specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) (jail/prison), Grief and Trauma, and SMART Recovery (dependency issues).

Background

• Master of Social Work, University of St Thomas; Undergraduate degree in Organizational Management and Communications, Concordia University - St Paul
• Approved Supervisor for Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy LPCC and LADC
• Approved Supervisor for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
• Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS)
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

State of Minnesota Licensure

LICSW Licensure #20355
LADC Licensure #303268