LCPC, 23 years of experience
I work with men wrestling with anger and resentment, and couples navigating conflict in their relationships. My approach is straightforward and practical: helping men and their partners manage stress, repair trust, resolve conflict, improve happiness, communicate in healthier and more effective ways, and tackle real-life problems that matter most. No jargon. No fluff. Just results, straight talk, and practical strategies—delivered with humor, candor, and the hard-earned insight of a guy who calls himself a Frequent Flyer to Hell and Back.
Our first session is all about connection. Research consistently shows that the relationship between counselor and client is the most important factor in successful therapy. I deeply respect the courage it takes to take this first step—opening up to someone new is no small act. In our initial conversation, I want to understand what’s happening in your world and what brought you here. We’ll talk about your goals, and I’ll share my approach, philosophy, and style so we can decide together if I’m the right fit to support you. As a strengths-based counselor, I normalize what we often call life—the challenges, changes, and chaos that come with being human. Through humor and a narrative, storytelling lens, I help people develop the psychological fitness skills that lead to more grounded, fulfilling lives. My own journey has included recovery from addiction, rebuilding after financial collapse, and facing the profound grief of losing two of my four children. Alongside my clinical experience in ERs, Community Mental Health, and Private Practice—and my work as a teacher and keynote speaker—these experiences have shaped my ability to walk alongside others as they design and live the lives they truly want.
I am a strengths-based counselor who works to normalize what we all call life—the challenges, changes, and chaos that come with being human. Using humor and a narrative, life-story approach, I help people build the psychological fitness skills needed to improve the quality of their lives. I’ve faced my own share of struggles: recovery from addiction, rebuilding after financial devastation, surviving two open-heart surgeries, and grieving the loss of two of my four children. These experiences, combined with my clinical training, professional background, and a personality that leans on honesty and humor, shape the way I connect with clients. My clinical work spans ERs, Community Mental Health, and Private Practice, along with years of teaching and keynote speaking—sharing stories and insights drawn from both life and counseling. All of this informs my mission: to help people reframe their struggles, embrace challenges, and design the life they want to live with greater confidence, resilience, and meaning.
I work with men and couples who struggle to communicate & problem solve effectively and in healthy ways—the very challenges that often fuel anger and conflict in relationships. Counseling works best when you’re willing to lean in. I create a supportive, collaborative space that encourages honest engagement, because the more you invest in the process, the more lasting the change. With evidence-based therapies, authenticity, and a healthy dose of humor, I tailor my approach to meet the needs of men—whether they’re seeking individual support or a male perspective in couples counseling.
Narrative therapy seeks to separate us from our problems. In narrative therapy, problems are problems while people are people. People are never problems. We are never the problem. Our family and friends are never the problem. The problem is the problem. By sharing life stories of the past, present, and future I help clients disconnect themselves from the dysfunctional behaviors, unwanted emotions, and lousy outcomes that sometimes plague their lives.
Plan. Do. Check. Act. These are four basic steps that can miraculously improve the quality of our lives. When it comes to creating better coping, problem-solving, and communication skill sets, we must plan. We must implement new skills and strategies. We must check out the effectiveness and efficiency of these skills and strategies, and when necessary modify and adjust. Reality therapy helps us make a reasonable and executable plan to improve the quality of our lives.
We think. We feel. We act. When in a therapy session, Thinking, feeling and acting are discussed in a linear fashion. The reality is that life is process oriented and circular. Understanding how our thoughts Drive automatic emotions which are then expressed through behaviors is a key to improving our overall mental wellness. if we change how we think we will change how we feel and we will change how we act ultimately leading to different outcomes.
If a baseball bat worked to motivate people to make changes, I'd use it. But it doesn't. I use Motivational Interviewing because this theory respects the reality that most of us find change a bit difficult and occasionally unappealing. I use motivational interviewing to explore the possibilities of change and how, if those changes are possible, my client's lives may be different, healthier, and more enjoyable.
There isn't a single research study in the world that doesn't support that the therapeutic and professional relationship between counselor and counsel is the single most important factor in therapy being effective. In session, I am me, warts and all. I strive to be authentic, genuine, and transparent and I seek the same for my clients as we connect and work.
3 ratings with written reviews
May 28, 2025
Bob is very caring. He’s got a great sense of humor He’s quite knowledgeable &relatable. I’m glad I’ve got him as my counselor.
May 24, 2025
Bob brings a real caring and understanding to every situation. We lay out a plan for growth with progress not perfection. Great overall and i look forward to connecting with him for my therapy.
February 5, 2025
Dr. Zima is very welcoming. His call demeanor makes talking a lot easier and I've never felt judged during a session. Additionally, he is respective of boundaries and is understanding of people's situations and needs.