James Norris Ph.D.
Assistant Professor III
Counseling and Human Services
About James Norris
Dr. James P. Norris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona and California, and he has worked across a range of clinical settings since 2009. In 2012, he developed and led a community mental health clinic in Seattle, Washington, and he has maintained a private practice since 2018. His primary research interests are Hip Hop, creativity, and counseling theories. Dr. Norris has published and presented widely on the integration of Hip Hop into counselor education for BIPOC-identified men, Hip Hop in counseling practice, and multicultural issues in counseling.
Education
- Ph.D., counselor education and supervision, University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, KY, December 2017 – April 2022 (CACREP Accredited; transferred from Seattle Pacific University, Sept 2015 – Dec 2017). Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society Member.
Dissertation: Hope to Healing: A Narrative Inquiry on how BIPOC identified male counselor educators incorporated Hip Hop in the education and counseling profession - M.A., clinical psychology, Seattle University, Seattle, WA, August 2007 – June 2009
- B.A., liberal studies, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, August 2003 – May 2005
Professional Background
- Assistant Professor, Counselor Education and Supervision, University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, KY, August 2022 – Present
- Adjunct Professor, University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN, September 2024 – September 2025
- Adjunct Professor, Seattle University, Seattle, WA, July 2022 – July 2023
- Adjunct Professor, Los Angeles Valley College, Valley Glen, CA, August 2019 – Present
- Teaching Assistant, University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, KY, May 2020 – August 2020
- Teaching Assistant, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, January 2016 – March 2017
Clinical Experience
- Psychiatric Social Worker, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Ana, CA, April 2025 – August 2026
- Owner and Professional Counselor, Ithemba Counseling, Seattle, WA, September 2018 – Present
- Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor, Life Coaching for Kids Center, 2021 – Present
- Co-Founder and Executive Director, Matumaini Counseling and Community Center, Seattle, WA, September 2012 – June 2020
Publications
Peer-reviewed journal articles
Levy, I., Norris, J., & Hilts, D. (2025). A Hip Hop and school counseling supervision model. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health.
Norris, J., Jefferson, L., & Levy, I. (2024). Preparing future counselors to work with BIPOC identified males: The integration of Hip Hop in counselor practice. Understanding and Dismantling Privilege Journal.
Levy, I., Norris, J., & Jefferson, L. (2024). Evaluation of a Hip Hop and school counselor education course. Teaching and Supervision in Counseling (Special Issue: Ensuring a Combined Educator-Counselor Identity).
Norris, J., Levy, I., & Baggs, A.S. (2023). Preparing future counselors to work with BIPOC identified males: The integration of Hip Hop in counselor education. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision.
Textbooks
Norris, J. P., & Levy, I. P. (2027). Counseling theories: Using a Hip Hop theoretical framework in counseling practice. Wiley.
Books
Norris, J. (2026). From Hopelessness to Hopefulness through Hip Hop: The M.I.C. Framework. Self-Published.
Media
Mini-Documentary: https://youtu.be/DYtphpFMfCM?si=oHruwVjEiCpkR52y
Interview: https://youtu.be/ctwzkEB0eIQ?si=IwIsnRGy_OmE6gdG
Hip Hop Can Save America Interview: https://youtu.be/cUhszlr4mcE?si=kwIWvjlCC84kc9PR
Psychologies of Liberation Podcast: https://youtu.be/tWZQ6YqFsS8?si=uOB3d6Aau99w3R1W
Radio Interview: https://youtu.be/11JftML6nbc?si=T89Ez-EDTEgug7ws
Awards and Honors
- Emerging Leader Professional Development Award, Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (2020)
- Minority Fellowship for Mental Health Counselor, National Board for Certified Counselors (2019)
- Community Services Award, Seattle University (2017)
- Community Partner Award, Divine Alternatives for Dads Services (2015)