In this episode, James Montgomery shares his journey from a challenging childhood in an abusive home to a successful military career and his transition into mental health counseling. He discusses the importance of addressing mental health stigma, the holistic approach of his counseling service, and the lessons learned from leadership in the military. James opens up about personal struggles, including the impact of deployment and loss, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of human connection and resilience. He emphasizes the need for community support and healing within families, particularly for first responders and veterans. In this conversation, James Montgomery shares his journey from military service to becoming a counselor focused on mental health and suicide prevention. He discusses the alarming rates of suicide among soldiers and the factors contributing to these tragedies, including finances, relationships, and substance abuse. James emphasizes the importance of communication, especially with children, and offers practical advice for parents on how to connect with their kids. He highlights the significance of emotional support and understanding the needs behind behaviors, advocating for intentional time spent with loved ones to foster healthy relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to James Montgomery

03:24 Lotus Counseling Services: A Holistic Approach

05:02 James's Early Life and Military Journey

07:40 Leadership Lessons from the Military

12:01 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Leadership

20:12 Deployment Experiences and Personal Loss

24:33 Turning Point: A Moment of Connection

31:35 Navigating Relationships and Self-Destruction

38:12 Transitioning to Civilian Life and New Challenges

38:41 From Artillery to Leadership: A Journey Begins

41:05 Understanding the Roots of Soldier Suicide

45:42 Navigating Loss: The Role of Counseling

48:38 The Impact of Trauma on First Responders

51:36 Communicating with Kids: Bridging the Gap

53:10 Messages Kids Wish They Could Share

58:50 Investing in Relationships: The 20-Minute Rule

01:03:58 Recognizing Red Flags in Children

01:12:54 Final Thoughts: Understanding Needs Behind Behaviors