Zack Carter - MS, Life Coach for Men

Zack’s approach is present and future focused, helping men to identify the problem, project their desired future, and create a realistic plan to get there. While coaching is different than therapy, Zack’s understanding of human nature is informed by the Bible, insights from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR Therapy, the Gottman Method, and neuroscience. In session, he draws on all his life experience and eduction to help his clients improve performance at work, form healthy habits, increase peace, increase motivation, strengthen relationships, solve career problems, overcome procrastination, and manage anger. While Zack is trained to work with a wide variety of issues and situations, many seek him out to overcome unwanted pornography use.

Before pursuing a career in counseling, Zack worked for three years as a College Pastor. Zach joined Lion Counseling with the ability to have an immediate and powerful impact for the clients he serves. His knowledge, professionalism, and sense of humor help put them at ease, even when dealing with heavy topics. He can also provide the rare gift of providing men accountability without heaping on more shame.

At Lion, Zack collaborates closely with his supervisor, Mark Odland (founder of Lion Counseling). This means that if you work with Zack, you’ll benefit from the wisdom of both men. In a world where finding a good coach can be difficult, Zack’s life experience, background in ministry, and previous success as an addiction coach make him a rare find. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, playing drums, traveling, Jiu Jitsu, and listening to podcasts. Zack’s credentials include the following:

• Master of Science Degree from the Rehabilitation and Mental Health Program at Virginia Commonwealth University – (Richmond, VA)

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Belmont University (Nashville, TN)

• Experienced Addiction Coach (Specialization in Pornography Addiction) / Deep Knowledge of the Neuroscience of Addiction and how to Help Men Find Lasting Freedom

• Former College Pastor / Ability to Provide Christian Counseling for Those that Desire it

• Understanding of Competition and the Growth Mindset / Practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)

Lion Counseling works with all types of clients, but we focus on helping high-achieving men and their spouses reach their goals. At Lion, Zack provides Life Coaching, Addiction Counseling, and Relationship Coaching, and is able to do so through a Christian framework for those that desire it.

Over the years our team at Lion has worked with a variety of men including CEOs, small business owners, entrepreneurs and other hard-working professionals like physicians, pilots, engineers, and architects. But at the end of the day, we work with anyone willing to make the investment of time, resources, and energy necessary for lasting breakthrough.

At Lion, we understand that the idea of “balance” itself is somewhat overused, because as a man you have obligations and pressure to succeed. You love your family and want time with them, but you can’t afford to let things fall apart at work, and as a result you feel torn. If you’re in this category, you might not feel like a “caged lion” because you left the cage a long time ago. You already know how to take risks, compete and conquer. If anything, you might be more like a “rogue lion,” having left the pride to forge a new path. You’ve discovered the secret that the goal is not money itself… it’s the thrill of the competition and the freedom that money provides… freedom to pursue things you love, and freedom to take care of those that you love.

While the chase will always be fun, it’s completely natural for a man’s thoughts to shift towards cultivating his passions, strengthening his relationships, and leaving a legacy. As an intelligent, hard-working, and resourceful man, you’ve probably already made strides in this area. But wives and children are not “yes men” like at the office. Relationships are complex, and the very traits that help men conquer at work don’t always work on the homefront.

A man who is admired and respected in public has his flaws and vulnerabilities painfully exposed at home. While defensiveness, anger, and hurt are natural responses to these things, we encourage successful men to walk towards the pain and do the deep emotional work that needs to be done. Whether it’s stress, demotivation, or bad habits, we can help support you on the journey. Like an airline pilot guiding you through a storm, there will be some turbulence along the way. But our commitment is to help you land safely on the other side with a renewed sense of peace, perspective, and properly aligned priorities. And unlike therapy, coaching isn’t covered by insurance. This means that your information will not be shared with third parties and you won’t be labeled with a diagnosis. A man in your position needs discrete, confidential support, and that’s exactly what we provide. And while we continue to learn and grow, we believe that our services speak for themselves. We’ve helped hundreds of men to achieve breakthroughs in life, but it only works if you’re really ready to take the next step… if you know deep down that “You’re not everything you could be, and you know it” (Dr. Jordan Peterson).