April 21, 2025
An Interview with Dr. Jacob Porter
Lead Professor for the Doctor of Professional Counseling program; Assistant Professor of Counseling
What inspired you to pursue your field of study?
My passion for clinical mental health counseling is both deeply personal and profoundly professional. Years ago, while serving as a pastor, I encountered many individuals who carried complex emotional and relational wounds. I quickly realized that spiritual guidance alone was often insufficient in helping people heal from trauma and addiction. Around the same time, I embarked on my own journey of personal recovery from destructive behaviors. That process opened my eyes to the ways neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality intersect in the work of healing and restoration.
Through my own growth, I developed a desire to explore how connection within relationships fosters transformation. This led me to study developmental neuroscience, attachment theory, and performance psychology, alongside theology. Now, as a psychotherapist and educator, I find great joy in guiding others through the difficult but rewarding process of rebuilding trust and finding healing in themselves and their relationships.
How did your academic journey lead you to ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½?
My journey into counseling and psychotherapy began as a response to the deep needs I saw in individuals and couples struggling with trauma and relational distress. Over the years, my focus has evolved, leading to the development of my Couple-Centered Recovery® model, which integrates neuroscience and attachment theory to support couples navigating betrayal trauma.
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½â€™s mission aligns with my own commitment to equipping individuals with the tools they need for healing and transformation. The university’s approach to education emphasizes integrative learning and practical application, which fits perfectly with my own desire to bring together clinical research, faith, and relational dynamics to empower students in their work and personal lives.
What excites you most about your discipline?
In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, mental health counseling—particularly in the areas of trauma, addiction, and relational recovery—is more important than ever. We know from neuroscience and attachment theory that human flourishing depends on connection. The ability to heal from trauma is not simply about individual resilience but about relational restoration—being seen, known, and valued.
What excites me most is helping individuals and couples rediscover that sense of connection. The work I do with therapeutic disclosure, affect regulation, and trust rebuilding is about more than just resolving past wounds—it’s about forging a future of wholeness and thriving relationships. There is something profoundly redemptive about this work, and as a Christian, I find deep meaning in how these principles reflect biblical truths about healing and restoration.
What books, theologians, or resources have influenced your work the most?
There are several key resources that I often recommend to students and those interested in exploring human connection and healing:
- Books:ÌýAffect Regulation Theory by Daniel Hill is a foundational work that delves into how emotions shape our relationships and behaviors.
- Videos and Webinars: I regularly share content on my YouTube channel, Dr. Jake Porter, where I discuss topics related to trauma, attachment, and recovery.
- Podcasts: I host Betrayal Recovery Radio, where I engage with experts in the field of relational healing. I also highly recommend Huberman Lab, a podcast by Andrew Huberman that explores neuroscience and human performance.
These resources help bridge the gap between research and real-world application, equipping individuals with knowledge that can transform both their own lives and the lives of those they serve.
What do you hope students take away from your teaching?
At the heart of my teaching is the belief that healing is possible. No matter how broken or disconnected an individual or relationship may feel, there is always a path toward restoration. I want students to leave my courses with not just an understanding of theory but with practical tools they can apply in their work with clients, their relationships, and even their own personal growth.
I also hope to instill a deep appreciation for the relational nature of healing. True transformation happens not in isolation but in the context of safe, meaningful connections. Whether my students go on to work as therapists, pastors, or in other helping professions, my greatest hope is that they walk away knowing that their work is ultimately about restoring hope and connection in a world that desperately needs it.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Jacob Porter’s insights remind us of the profound impact that connection has on human flourishing. His work at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and theology is helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of trauma and recovery with compassion and evidence-based care.
Stay tuned for our next faculty interview as we continue to explore the diverse and inspiring voices shaping the ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ community.