James L. Lawyer, LCSW (Retired)

Clinical Consultant

Jim is retired from active clinical practice and serves as a Clinical Consultant to 2nd Story Counseling. While he no longer provides psychotherapy services, he remains connected to the practice through consultation, mentorship, and professional guidance.

For more than four decades, Jim Lawyer has helped individuals, families, and organizations create meaningful and lasting change. His career has been guided by a belief that effective behavioral health care combines practical strategies, compassion, and respect for every person’s unique story.

Jim Lawyer is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker and longtime behavioral therapy specialist whose career has spanned more than four decades of service, leadership, and consultation in the Chicago mental health community. He previously served as a staff therapist with 2nd Story Counseling and continues to remain connected to the practice as a Clinical Consultant, offering professional insight and guidance drawn from decades of experience in behavioral health.

Throughout his professional life, Jim worked in hospitals, community mental health settings, private practice, and behavioral health organizations helping individuals, families, and professionals navigate life’s challenges through practical, evidence-based approaches.

Jim has a longstanding connection to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community through both his clinical work and leadership roles, including serving as Director of Social Services at Howard Brown Health Center. His contributions helped support mental health services during a formative period in the organization’s history and reflected a lifelong commitment to affirming and accessible care.

In 1992, Jim co-founded Chicago Behavior Consultants, where he specialized in behavioral treatment and helping people create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. His professional interests have included cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification, anxiety treatment, and practical strategies for personal growth.

Today, Jim remains connected to 2nd Story Counseling as a Clinical Consultant, offering guidance and professional insight drawn from decades of experience in behavioral health.

Knowledge Areas

• Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Anxiety Disorders
• LGBTQ+ Mental Health
• Behavior Change & Habit Formation
• Clinical Consultation
• Professional Mentorship

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Professional Background

• Co-Founder, Chicago Behavior Consultants
• Former Director of Social Services, Howard Brown Health Center
• Former Program Director, The Chicago Lighthouse
• Former Medical Social Worker and Behavioral Science Instructor, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Over the course of a career spanning more than four decades, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, families, and professionals throughout the Chicago area. My work has included behavioral health treatment, LGBTQ+ affirming care, clinical leadership, and consultation with therapists seeking to strengthen their skills and better serve their clients.

While I am now retired from active clinical practice, I remain passionate about supporting the next generation of mental health professionals and helping organizations provide thoughtful, compassionate care. My continued connection with 2nd Story Counseling reflects a shared commitment to growth, inclusion, and helping people create meaningful change in their lives.

Throughout my career, I have believed that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding. Those values continue to guide the work I do today.