Glenn Jacobson

I am Glenn Jacobson. I bring nearly 30 years of counseling experience to this practice. I have worked as a therapist in outpatient settings since 1982, eventually co-founding Green Ridge Counseling Center in 1985, which I owned and managed until 1998, when I merged the agency with Northwestern Human Services. In 2000, I returned to private practice here at Courtyard Counseling Center.

I received my Bachelor’s degree from Colgate University, and went on to earn a Master’s and a Ph.D. in secular Religious Studies from Temple University. A temporary teaching position at Bucknell brought me to the Susquehanna Valley, whereupon I made a career change to begin counseling. I subsequently completed a second Master’s degree, this one in psychology, at Bucknell, and became a licensed psychologist in 1993.

Green Ridge Counseling initially had a specialization in treating individuals suffering from drug and/or alcohol dependencies. Accordingly, I sought the credential of Certified Addictions Counselor, though this became redundant after my licensure, and I have not formally maintained the title. Also while at Green Ridge, I supervised and trained a great many therapists who worked at the agency over the fifteen years of my leadership.

Even before becoming licensed as a psychologist, I began to focus more on the treatment of disorders and problems beyond the addictions field. I developed Green Ridge into a licensed outpatient mental health facility as well, and worked closely with psychiatrists in providing treatment to individuals with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, behavior problems, and relationship conflicts. I have studied extensively in the area of psychopharmacology (that is, the use of psychiatric medications).

In addition to counseling individuals, couples, and families, I have performed an array of court-related services. While at Green Ridge, I helped to create a program for treating spouse abusers, which has since been absorbed by Northumberland County’s Mental Health Program. I have also performed psychological evaluations, primarily in child custody cases, but also in assessing juveniles in facilities, and for various other circumstances. I also have training in mediation.

I routinely treat people who suffer from depression, adjustment disorders, psychological trauma, anger problems, and the impact of physical and sexual abuse. In addition, I particularly enjoy working with those who struggle with anxiety, with teens of both genders (and their parents) who are acting out or struggling with family and/or social problems, and with couples whose relationships are in conflict. I still like to help those with addictions. And, I have a side interest in sports psychology.

My treatment approach varies with the specifics of any particular case, but it is rooted in an understanding of the impact of family dynamics and personal history, and in a cognitive approach to change. In other words, I focus on appreciating how individuals have come to understand and see themselves, how their self-concepts have led to various emotional, psychological, and relationship problems, and how their assumptions can be challenged and altered to open up new possibilities and healthier adaptations. With couples and families, I combine these same considerations with practical help in developing more effective communication and better ability to resolve conflicts productively and less hurtfully. All treatment starts with careful and empathetic listening, a respect for each person’s experience and emotions, and a cooperative alliance to meet my client’s own goals. Of course, I am happy to work with doctors and psychiatrists when medications are called for.

My wife of 34 years and I have two grown sons, both recent college graduates, who are — thank God — self-supporting. Over the years, I coached their sports teams, from AYSO up through fairly competitive levels, and supported their other interests and endeavors. Now, my wife and I love to play tennis, watch movies, listen and dance to live music, visit major cities for art and other museums and for ethnic food, and relax at the lake. We are both active in our communities.

When I took my first counseling job, I thought I would give it a few years to see if it was for me. Now, almost 28 years later, I’m still at it, and I still love the process of appreciating what it’s like to be someone else.