About Me.

Larry Jackson Jr., MSEd, LMHC, LPC
Therapist | Entrepreneur | Futurist | Faith-Driven

Hello, I’m Larry Jackson Jr. I’m a therapist, life coach, educator, entrepreneur, and futurist dedicated to helping people find healing, purpose, direction, and hope.

My professional journey did not begin in psychology. I originally enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville to study mechanical engineering because I was drawn to design, problem-solving, and understanding how systems work. Although my career eventually took a different direction, that engineering mindset never left me. It continues to influence how I approach counseling, business, technology, and the future—by looking closely at complex problems, understanding the systems behind them, and identifying practical ways to

create better outcomes.

Over time, I discovered that my strongest calling was not simply to understand mechanical systems, but to understand people. That journey eventually led me into counseling, education, community work, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Today, I bring more than 12 years of experience in the mental health field to my work with individuals, couples, and families. My approach combines clinical knowledge with genuine human connection. I want the people I work with to feel safe, heard, challenged, understood, and supported as they navigate relationships, emotional struggles, major life transitions, and
personal growth.

Faith is also an important part of who I am. I believe deeply in grace, forgiveness, redemption, resilience, and the ability of people to change. I welcome clients who want spirituality incorporated into their work while also respecting the beliefs, values, and preferences of

every individual I serve.

Beyond therapy, I am interested in the intersection of mental health, entrepreneurship, technology, artificial intelligence, media, and faith. I believe the future of mental health care will increasingly involve new ways of connecting people with information, resources, clinicians, and supportive communities. Much of my entrepreneurial work reflects that belief.

I am also an author and creator. I am currently writing House of Cards: The Complete Relationship Coaching Series, a practical and spiritually grounded guide focused on emotional healing, healthier relationships, communication, and personal transformation.

Below, you’ll find more about my background, values, and the philosophy that shapes the way I approach therapy, coaching, leadership, and life.

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Professional Experience.

Educational Foundation

I originally enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville to study mechanical engineering, driven by an interest in design, problem-solving, and systems thinking. During that time, however, I realized I had not yet developed the full set of competencies needed to succeed in the rigorous engineering coursework.

Although uncertain about my next step, I remained determined not to give up on my future. I turned to prayer, asking God for direction and clarity about where my strengths, purpose, and calling might ultimately lead.

During that season of reflection, I began thinking more intentionally about the people who inspired me and the experiences that moved me most deeply. I reflected on mentors, community leaders, and artists whose lives and words had challenged me to think differently about purpose and service.

One quote in particular stayed with me:

“You’ve got to live for something worth dying for.”

That idea became a turning point. It helped clarify my desire to serve, encourage, educate, and walk alongside others. Counseling and community outreach gradually became more than a career direction; they became part of a larger sense of purpose.

My educational path eventually led me to earn a B.S. in Business Administration with a Computer Science in 2005, followed by an M.S.E. in Counselor Education in 2008.

My graduate training included coursework and experience in group counseling, career counseling, family and multicultural counseling, psychopathology, and counseling with elementary and middle school students.

While pursuing my education, I also spent approximately three years working in the university’s Web Development Office, where I helped maintain and update university websites. That experience strengthened my skills in technology, communication, design, information organization, and problem-solving.

My graduate program also included internships at Washington Middle School and JFK Elementary School, where I facilitated anger-management groups and provided protective-behavior education for elementary-aged students.

2009–2013: BHIS / Remedial Counselor

I began my formal counseling career as a BHIS/Remedial Counselor, providing in-home behavioral health and life-skills services to children and families.

My work included behavioral interventions, tutoring support, school-attendance assistance, parent collaboration, and coordination with community organizations. This early experience helped shape my practical, family-centered approach to counseling and reinforced the importance of meeting people within the realities of their everyday lives.

2013: Urban League Site Manager

I served as a Site Manager for an Urban League extended-day program, working directly with at-risk youth while coordinating with parents, school faculty, and community partners.

This role strengthened my experience in youth development, program coordination, family engagement, and community-based leadership.

2015–2016: Adjunct Professor

I taught undergraduate courses including World View I & II, Introduction to Psychology, and Introduction to Research.

My teaching style focused on critical thinking and helping students connect academic concepts with personal, social, cultural, and global issues.

Teaching also reinforced my interest in education, communication, and helping people understand complex ideas in practical and accessible ways.

2015–2017: Community Outreach Coordination and Counseling

During this period, I formally developed J4BG Family Services, a community outreach initiative and counseling practice providing individual, couples, and family services.

My counseling approach incorporated elements of Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. My work included helping children, adults, and families navigate challenges related to trauma, grief, anxiety, attention difficulties, behavioral concerns, relationships, and life adjustment.

As Founder and Community Organizer, I also developed and coordinated several community initiatives, including:

Fatherhood Training using the nationally recognized 24:7 Dad curriculum
The Beautification Project, which provided self-care activities, encouragement, and support for mothers experiencing difficult life circumstances
Family Night events, designed to strengthen families through community, connection, education, and encouragement

I also served as a group facilitator for the Carnegie-Stout Public Library’s Changing Lives Through Literature program, an initiative that combined literature, reflection, education, and personal development.

Over time, J4BG expanded its mission to make counseling more accessible to people in need, including offering reduced-cost and, in some situations, no-cost services. I also contracted with other behavioral health organizations to expand access to counseling services across Iowa.

2016–2018: Substance Abuse Counselor

I provided substance-use evaluations, treatment planning, counseling, and case-management services for individuals experiencing substance-related challenges.

As a Drug Court Case Manager, I worked within the judicial system and coordinated services among clients, courts, law enforcement, treatment providers, and community organizations.

I also facilitated Prime for Life, an educational program focused on alcohol and drug-related decision-making and impaired-driving prevention.

In addition, I worked part-time as a dual-diagnosis counselor at Crescent Community Health Center, serving individuals experiencing both substance-use and mental health concerns.

This experience strengthened my understanding of addiction, behavioral change, accountability, recovery, and the complex relationship between mental health and substance use.

2016–2022: Property Manager

Alongside my counseling and community work, I managed residential and commercial properties and assisted with general maintenance, renovations, and property improvements.

Although outside the traditional mental health field, this work strengthened my skills in project management, problem-solving, negotiation, conflict resolution, budgeting, organization, and working with contractors and tenants.

It also reinforced the practical, systems-oriented mindset that has continued to influence my approach to entrepreneurship and leadership.

2018–May 2025: Mental Health Counselor

Beginning in 2018, I continued providing insured and private-pay mental health counseling and coaching services through J4BG Family Counseling.

During this period, my work increasingly focused on helping adults, couples, and families understand patterns in their lives, improve communication, strengthen relationships, navigate emotional challenges, and create meaningful personal change.

My approach continued to evolve toward a balance of insight-oriented counseling, practical problem-solving, empathy, accountability, and future-focused goal setting.

May 2025–Present: Mental Health Counselor and Founder, 444 Therapy

In 2025, I transitioned my counseling work under 444 Therapy, continuing my commitment to providing holistic, client-centered mental health services.

444 Therapy also represents the next evolution of my professional journey: combining my experience in counseling, education, entrepreneurship, technology, systems thinking, and community development.

My long-term focus is not only on providing quality therapy, but also on exploring how technology, artificial intelligence, education, and improved systems can expand access to mental health services and create more effective ways for people to connect with qualified support.

www.444therapy.com

My Core Values

The foundation of my practice is built on strong core values that guide every session. I believe in the importance of:

Duty to Community: I feel a deep responsibility to give back and support the well-being of those around me.
Compassion: I approach every person with genuine care and empathy, striving to understand your feelings and experiences.
Perseverance & Grit: I believe in the power of steady effort and resilience when facing challenges. I'll encourage and support you to keep going, even when things are tough.
Integrity: Honesty and ethical practice are at the heart of my work. You can trust that I will be genuine and transparent with you.
Purpose: I aim to help you rediscover meaning and direction in your life, aligning our work with your deepest values and goals.
Hard Work: I am committed to working hard alongside you. Therapy is a collaborative effort, and I will be fully dedicated to helping you achieve positive change.

These core values aren’t just words to me – they shape how I build trust and foster a respectful, supportive space for you to grow.

My Therapeutic Goals

In our sessions, my primary goals are to ensure you feel heard, understood, and valued. I know how important it is for you to feel that your story matters. With that in mind, here is what you can expect from me as a therapist:

Listening Deeply: I will listen actively and patiently so that you feel truly heard. Your story is unique, and I want to understand every part of it.
Honoring Your Story: Everyone’s life journey is different. I take the time to capture your unique story, respecting your experiences and perspective without judgment.
Thorough Exploration: Together, we will carefully examine your thoughts, emotions, and patterns. This gentle exploration helps us uncover root causes and key insights into what you're going through.
Thoughtful Feedback: I will provide honest, constructive feedback and observations. My aim is to give you new perspectives and practical guidance that you can use between sessions

By focusing on these goals, I make sure our time together is productive and tailored to your needs. Above all, I want you to leave each session feeling understood and supported.

Clinical Approach and Style

I use a blend of therapeutic modalities to suit each person’s needs, drawing from both traditional and modern approaches. One of the approaches I value is psychoanalysis, which can help us understand how your past experiences and subconscious thoughts might be influencing your present life. Exploring your history can provide deep insight and self-awareness.

At the same time, I believe therapy should also be practical and future-focused. Insight into the past is valuable, but I will also help you find solutions and move forward. In our work together, we might delve into your past to identify patterns or healing opportunities, but we will always connect that understanding to positive steps you can take for the future. This means setting realistic goals, building new coping skills, and discovering concrete strategies to improve your day-to-day life.

My clinical style is collaborative and adaptable. Whether we’re using psychoanalytic insight, cognitive-behavioral techniques, or solution-focused counseling, I will tailor my approach to what best fits you. No two people are the same, so I remain flexible and responsive to ensure therapy is effective and comfortable for you.

Integrating Faith and Therapy

As a Christian therapist, my faith is an integral part of who I am and how I approach counseling. I believe in the power of grace, redemption, and hope that faith can offer. For those who wish to include spiritual aspects in therapy, I integrate faith-based principles into our sessions. This might involve exploring how your faith provides strength during hard times, discussing prayer or scripture that encourages you, or simply approaching your struggles from a Christian perspective of hope and compassion.

That said, I deeply respect each person’s individual beliefs and comfort level. Your values and preferences will always guide our use of spiritual or religious content in therapy. If you want a fully faith-integrated counseling experience, I am happy to provide that. If you prefer to keep our sessions more secular or just lightly influenced by spirituality, I will honor that as well.

My goal is to meet you where you are. No matter what, the core Christian principles of love, empathy, and non-judgmental support will shine through in the care I provide.

Integrating faith and therapy can be a powerful combination. It allows us to address emotional and psychological needs while also nurturing spiritual well-being. I find that this holistic approach helps many people find deeper healing and a stronger sense of purpose.

Guiding Philosophy: Strength, Empathy & Hope

“With strength, empathy, and hope, no challenge is insurmountable.” This is the guiding philosophy behind my work. I truly believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the idea that, with support, everyone has the capacity to overcome hardship. In therapy, I will help you tap into your inner strength – those personal qualities and faith resources that have carried you this far. We will also cultivate empathy, both self-compassion (being kinder to yourself) and understanding the perspectives of others in your life.

Most importantly, I strive to instill a sense of hope in every session. Hope can be a powerful catalyst for change. Even if you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged right now, I hold hope for you and will help you discover hope within yourself.

Together, we will work on turning that hope into practical steps forward.

In my experience, healing is a journey that’s easier when you don’t have to walk it alone. As your therapist, I will walk alongside you with care and steadfast support. You can expect a safe space where you are accepted as you are, and where we work hand-in-hand to navigate challenges.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I feel honored to do this work, and I do not take lightly the trust my clients place in me. If you decide to reach out, know that I am ready to listen and eager to help. I look forward to the possibility of working with you and supporting you on your journey toward healing and a more fulfilling life. You are not alone, and there is hope ahead.