JIM MANDELIN CPC

Counselor, Consulant & Public Speaker

Jim Mandelin's story is one of inordinate struggle and great hope. Escaping from the pain and abuse of a violent, dysfunctional family, and a poorly equipped educational system, Jim began expressing repressed anger, acting out and getting into trouble at an early age. By the time he was a young man, he had lived and worked on the streets of Vancouver, had done two stints in prison, had been affiliated with a violent gang, and almost died of drug and alcohol poisoning. At the age of twenty-two, with an established pattern of self-abuse and violent behaviour, and less than a third of his liver still intact, he began the long road to recovery.

Since that time, many years ago, Jim has diligently pursued a quest to better understand the nature of his experience and the experience of others like himself. He has sought and found support through friends and professionals. He has read voraciously, questioned his motivations and behaviors, grieved openly, and grown into a productive, caring citizen. He has learned to forgive himself and others; to trust and respect himself ; to build healthy relationships, a caring home life and a career in counselling, and public speaking. It is his greatest wish to make a positive difference in the lives of those he works with, and to contribute to a more caring, compassionate attitude towards the most troubled citizens in our communities.

Jim currently works as a counsellor, consultant, and public speaker.

"Jim is one of the most truly compassionate people I have ever met. His personal experience is a huge asset; it gives him a true insight, something you can never get from just reading the books."

-G Horie B.A.

Jim childhood photos

Jim at age 15.	Jim after 3 years of drugs, streetlife and prison.