Featured Falcons: Jamal Rasheed

April 29, 2025

Most people have a typical image of a counselor in mind — clipboard in hand, seated across from a client lying down on a couch. But alum Jamal Rasheed is passionate about breaking the stereotype. He aims to reshape the way people view therapy, making it more accessible, relatable and human.

Originally coming to the University of Montevallo to play soccer, the Radcliff, Kentucky, native’s plans took a turn when he had to step away from the sport due to multiple sclerosis. That challenge opened the door to a deeper purpose — exploring how he could support others navigating their own struggles.

“I knew that I wanted to do counseling, but I didn’t know where,” he said. “After my friend joined the program and told me about it, it was kind of a match made in heaven. It’s more person-centered rather than scientific method-centered like a lot of other schools, so it felt more personable and holistic.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in peace and justice studies from UM in 2022, Rasheed recently completed his counseling master’s with a concentration in couples and family counseling. Starting his graduate program is one of his favorite Montevallo memories.

“In that moment, I found some of the closest friends I have,” he said. “But they’re also colleagues who can help me in the future, and we can bounce off one another. Creating that tight-knit support system makes the difficulties and the challenges a lot easier.”

Rasheed and his fellow counseling students work in UM’s Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic, a training clinic that provides counseling and wellness services at no cost to in-state clients. They provide general therapy, group therapy, play therapy for children and virtual telehealth counseling to individuals, couples, families and kids.

Additionally, Rasheed is part of the Alabama Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, which allows graduate students to design and lead a one-year service project focused on improving health in underserved communities. Through the fellowship, he is working with RESTORE, a Birmingham-based program created to support youth ages 16 to 19 who have been involved in the juvenile justice system. Rasheed serves in a counseling role, helping the kids address their emotional and psychological needs, develop conflict resolution strategies and build resilience.

“Being in it on such an intimate level helped me recognize that these are just kids that never got to have a childhood,” he said. “They had to grow up early or had other circumstances tossed at them. I always give them an analogy that you were given a deck of cards that you didn’t ask for, and you have to figure out how to play your way out.”

For Rasheed, therapy isn’t just about offering a service — it’s about creating a space where clients feel safe, seen and free to be themselves. He believes in meeting people where they are and stepping outside the traditional therapy mold. Whether it’s going for a walk around the track, scrolling through TikTok together or playing with toys on the floor, he brings his authentic self into every session to build trust and connection on the client’s terms.

“There’s a natural power dynamic that goes into counseling,” he said. “I don’t want them to come into the room having the idea that I’m the expert and they don’t know anything.”

Now that he’s earned his master’s, Rasheed plans to pursue a Ph.D. in counselor education or counseling psychology. His ultimate goal is to educate the upcoming generations about counseling and challenge the stereotypes of the field.

“You don’t have to do exactly what everyone says you need to do,” he said. “Be yourself and just show up in the room as you, and I guarantee you that clients will be very receptive to you just being authentically you.”