Meet John Goll
“...real manhood embraces all of our emotions, ...our vulnerability, and the truth that men were never meant to cope with problems by themselves.”
As the founder of Northern Illinois Men’s Counseling, John brings a unique passion and dedication for helping men create the lives and loving, supportive relationships they desire. He himself has been on that same journey.
Sparking a Passion
John will tell you that growing up with a love of the outdoors in many ways shaped him into the person he is today. From rural Indiana to Michigan forests, Colorado mountains and Canadian rivers, his connection to the earth and nature is central to who he is.
“Just being outdoors, especially in the wilderness, is where life makes the most sense,” says John. “Nature reminds me that there is an order to everything, that there are patterns of life, death, growth, and rebirth that never fail to bring me hope. It’s very rejuvenating for me to go out there. I get grounded and things seem a whole lot more manageable.”
A Journey of Discovery
As a self-described “child of the 60’s”, John’s early years mirrored much of the social upheaval of the times. After losses and many struggles, it became clear that the most important and perhaps most difficult wilderness for John to explore was the one within himself.
Professional Success, but…
John’s first career was in emergency medical services where he became one of the first certified paramedics in Indiana. He advanced to positions as a paramedic instructor, manager, and eventually serving as the operations director for the largest private ambulance company in Indiana. However, even in the face of professional success, parts of his personal life and relationships were still a struggle.
A New Direction and Purpose
A new marriage and focused efforts at personal growth and exploration lead John to awakening to a deep desire to return to school and shift to a career in counseling.
Throughout the process of earning his credentials to become a therapist, John was also discovering himself. “It was a transformational time for me. A counselor and mentor helped me learn what it means to be a man, and how to relate to other men. I came to realize that real manhood embraces all of our emotions, all of our vulnerability, and the truth that men were never meant to cope with problems by themselves.”
“As I go forward now, I recognize there are a lot of men who struggle with relationships, and who have a hard time seeing the part they play in the struggle. I help them with both their relationships with others and with themselves.”
Credentials:
Licenses-
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - States of Illinois and Virginia
Education-
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Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis IN
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Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indiana University – Purdue University, Indianapolis IN
Certifications-
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Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples
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Leadership certification in the ManKind Project (MKP), currently on sabbatical.
Affiliations-
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Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
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Member of the Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association
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Member of the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
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Member of the Chicago Center for EFT
Volunteer Activities-
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Volunteer Steward Leader in Natural Areas and graduate of the Natural Areas Restoration Training program at the Morton Arboretum
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Former National Park Service Billy Goat Trail Steward and Training Leader, guiding visitors on the Billy Goat Trail at C&O Canal National Historic Park
