Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon-Michael McKinney.
Jon-Michael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Bridges Counseling & Coaching Services started actually with me sorting through my own brokenness. Over the course of the years, I’ve had several dysfunctions that I had to work through and found God, solace and wisdom during those times. I found out that what I had been doing for years for free was actually what was designed to not only be a blessing to others but to also be provision for myself. After much contemplation and following my passion to help others, I transformed the free thing into a paid thing. I’ve found that what you are often doing for free, you could actually be getting paid for. With Bridges, I remember saying that I wanted to do counseling and coaching, but I felt like I needed some type of confirmation that I was supposed to be doing it. Of course, my background and experience is fitting, but I needed a tangible sign. I ended up meeting a couple one day during a scheduled meeting, and within the first 2 hours, I was able to help them to precisely navigate through certain life questions and situations they were experiencing. My background in the church is that of a strong prophetic background which includes my calling and gift. I found it incredibly enhancing to use that gift and anointing and incorporate it with my counseling and coaching services. Afterwards, they asked if I could do marriage counseling for them. I didn’t know that these two as my first clients were millionaires in the city that had different businesses and companies as well. What began as marriage counseling also included prophetic insight and strategy into their businesses and this brought value to the whole being of their marriage.
Today, I have worked with several clients as my services are a full suite to include: Marriage & Relationship Counseling, Individual Counseling, Divorce Intervention, Premarital Counseling, Christian Counseling, Business Coaching and Group Counseling sessions. Recently, I’ve earned my designation as a Certified Forgiveness Coach which enables me to offer Forgiveness Coaching. In this, I help my clients to process through the path of what real forgiveness looks like as opposed to a jaded view of what they think. I also show my clients the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Simply stated: Forgiveness is mandatory – reconciliation is complimentary. Just because you forgive does not obligate you to reconcile. In this theory, I help my clients to see what was once deemed difficult is actually more tangible than they think.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has had its share of challenges. The biggest struggle was making sure that I kept myself out of my own way to ensure consistency in what I do for my clients. It’s easy to look at your own issues or struggles and see your own imperfections, and deem yourself unable to assist and be a blessing to others.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bridges Counseling & Coaching Services, LLC – what should we know?
Bridges Counseling and Coaching Services, LLC offer services in the following areas: Marriage & Relationship Counseling, Individual Counseling, Divorce Intervention, Christian Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Forgiveness Coaching, Group Counseling and Business/Entrepreneur Coaching.
What I am most proud of as a company is that I have remained true to service as a service. Meaning, the core of what I do is always centered around these following ideals: Serve them, bless them, and empower them. Help them to see, help them to resolve, and help them to recover.
What sets me apart from others is the forgiveness coaching. This is not usually offered in the usual counseling service or practice. Once an individual can go through forgiveness coaching, they will quickly find out that other challenges in their individual life, marriage or relationship can quickly be unraveled.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Service, care and investment. I often feel that I am truly invested in the success of my clients navigating through issues, challenges, and areas of opportunity. I have literally been called to a client’s home to help resolve a critical issue as late as 11pm, and didn’t leave until after 2am!
Contact Info:
- Website: bridgesccs.com
- Phone: 770-765-5415
- Email: jmckinney@bridgesccs.com
Image Credit:
Louis Cuthbert Photography
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