Frontside Counseling
Facing life’s challenges head on.
“The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet.”
- Rachel Remen
about Jason Helmlinger, m.a.
Member: American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
Member: Green Cross Academy of Traumatology (GCAT)
Jason Helmlinger is a trauma-informed pastoral counselor with a unique background integrating neuroscience-informed care, ministry, and more than 20 years of frontline law enforcement experience. Beginning his career in 1995, he served in patrol, SWAT, organized crime, and violent crimes investigations, including extensive work involving sexual assault and other high-risk cases. His experience as a peer support leader, ordained pastor, and trauma-informed pastoral counselor provides him with a strong understanding of the emotional, relational, and nervous system impact of chronic stress and critical incidents.
Jason works with first responders, couples, families, and individuals navigating trauma, crisis, and life transitions. He previously served as a contractor providing trauma support services for the Virginia State Police, assisting first responders following critical incidents and cumulative line-of-duty stress.
Education & Credentials
Doctoral Candidate in Traumatology - Liberty University (focus: neuroscience of trauma)
M.A. in Crisis Response & Trauma Counseling - Liberty University
Former Board Member, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Ordained Pastor (since 2009)
20+ year veteran law enforcement officer
B.S. in Criminal Justice - Virginia Commonwealth University
Advanced Training & Certifications
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Polyvagal Theory & Nervous System Regulation
Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Rest & Restore Protocol (RRP)
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Trauma-Informed Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling (SFPC)
Compassion Fatigue Practitioner (Green Cross Academy of Traumatology)
Master Certification in Mental Health Coaching (Light University)
Cognitive Fitness Coach (My Steady Mind)
Prepare/Enrich Facilitator (Marriage Assessment & Counseling)
Jason’s passion is helping people heal, build resilience, and flourish, especially those who spend their lives helping others.
DISCLOSURE: Frontside Counseling offers Christian pastoral counseling, coaching, and trauma-informed support. Services are non-clinical in nature and do not include psychotherapy, diagnosis, or insurance billing.