Dr. James Coffman is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor (designated as a Mental Health Service Provider) and Licensed Marital and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy in issues, such as anxiety, depression, marital conflict, loss of connection, sexual impasses, adjustment and stress disorders, poor commuications. and grief complications. He maintains an independent practice from the Coffman Farm near Ripley, Tennessee and manages Pastoral Counseling Mid-South, a pastoral counseling center at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
With over 20 years experience as a marital and family therapist and as a graduate of Vanderbilt University specializing in pastoral counseling and marital therapy, he is a seasoned practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among his areas of expertise are anxiety and affect disorders. He has worked with couples of all ages as a marital and family therapist.
In addition to being a popular counseling referral resource for clergy, physicians, and attorneys, Dr. Coffman has provided human resource and management consultation for organizations and congregations around the Mid-South. He has given leadership to three employee and congregation assistance programs. He offers programs on change and leadership in nonprofits in Tennessee. As a leader in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, he has provided consultation to pastoral counseling centers around the country. Jim Coffman is available to speak with congregations and community service organizations on marriage and family life, communications, grief, change, and spirituality.
He is the founding Executive Director of the Pastoral Counseling and Consultation Centers of Tennessee. The board of directors, staff, and community friends celebrated his contributions and recognized him on their 25th anniversary at the Founders Banquet in Nashville, Tennessee in 2010.
Dr. Coffman is a psychodynamically informed psychotherapist and integrates principles from existential psychotherapy, systems theory, and cognitive and behavior theory in his work. He is intrigued by the study of communications and uses this in his work with couples and families. His therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. He integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, he works with individuals to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Education
B.A., Union University
M.Div. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Th.M., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
D.Min., Vanderbilt University
Further Graduate Studies in Religion and Personality, Vanderbilt University
License, Certifications & Awards
Licensed Professional Counselor (designated as Mental Health Service Provider), State of Tennessee
Licensed Marital and Family Therapist, State of Tennessee
Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist, State of Tennessee
Diplomate, American Association of Pastoral Counselors
Certified Supervisor, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
Endorsed Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor, Pastoral Counselor, and Chaplain, Alliance of Baptists
25th Anniversary Founders Award, Pastoral Counseling & Consultation Centers of Tennessee
Additional Training
Clinical Pastoral Education at Central State Hospital (Louisville), University of Louisville, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville), and
V.A. Medical Center (Nashville)
Pastoral Counseling and CPE Suprvisory Residency, Baptist Medial Centers (Birmingham)
Professional Activities and Memberships
Pastor in Kentucky, Missouri, and North Carolina
College Counselor, Berea College
Chaplain in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama
National and Regional Leadership in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors
Clinical Member, American Association for Marital and Family Therapy
Lecturer in Pastoral Theology, Vanderbilt University Graduate School
Adjunct Professor, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
Adjunct Professor, Memphis Theological Seminary
Founding Board of Directors of Association of Non-Profit Executives
Consultant to V.A. Medical Center, Nashville
Endorsement Committee, Alliance of Baptists
Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor, Baptist Medical Centers (Birmingham), V.A. Medical Center (Nashville), and Methodist Healthcare System (Memphis)