Breaking Barriers: A CEO's Journey Beyond 12 Steps
Hi, I’m James Gonzales, CEO and Founder of Pathways to Services Development. I want to take a moment to share my personal journey to recovery—not to dismiss the value of traditional approaches like the 12-step program, but to shine a light on a path that worked for me and might work for others too.
When I was at my lowest point, facing addiction, homelessness, and the ripple effects of incarceration, I sought solutions that resonated deeply with my personal struggles. The 12-step program, a lifeline for many, didn’t quite fit my unique journey. Instead, I found transformation through core beliefs training, perception shifts, and structured programs like Thinking for a Change (T4C).
Core Beliefs: The Foundation of Change
For me, recovery wasn’t just about stopping destructive behaviors—it was about understanding why those behaviors existed in the first place. Through core beliefs training, I was able to unpack years of negative self-perceptions and the false narratives I’d held about myself and the world. I began to challenge thoughts like “I’ll never be good enough” and replace them with truths like “I am capable of healing and growth.”
Pathways to Services Development integrates these same principles into every program we offer. Whether it’s a young person aging out of foster care, a parent rebuilding after homelessness, or someone fighting to stay sober, we help clients rewrite their stories and align their beliefs with their goals.
The Power of Perception
Another turning point for me was shifting my perspective. I had to stop seeing myself as a victim of my circumstances and start viewing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. This mindset shift wasn’t easy, but it was essential.
At Pathways, we help our clients change their outlook on life. Whether it’s through workshops, mentorship, or our life skills training programs, we guide individuals to see possibilities instead of obstacles.
Thinking for a Change (T4C)
The T4C program, rooted in cognitive-behavioral principles, gave me practical tools to think critically about my decisions. It taught me how to pause, reflect, and choose actions that aligned with the life I wanted to build.
Pathways incorporates T4C into our curriculum, equipping clients with these same tools to navigate their own journeys. The program fosters emotional resilience, better decision-making, and the confidence to face life’s challenges head-on.
Lived Experience as Our Strength
At Pathways, our executive board isn’t just a group of professionals—it’s a team of people with lived experience. Each of us has faced struggles and come out stronger, and we use that understanding to shape our programs. We know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to recovery, which is why we offer diverse approaches tailored to meet people where they are.
Our commitment is simple: to honor each individual’s unique path to healing. Whether someone finds hope in a 12-step program, core beliefs training, or something entirely different, we’re here to support their journey with compassion and understanding.
Pathways’ Purpose
Pathways to Services Development exists to bridge the gap between short-term fixes and sustainable transformation. We’re not just about checking boxes or meeting KPIs—we’re about building real relationships with our clients, understanding their needs, and empowering them to create lasting change.
My journey showed me that transformation is possible when you have the right tools and support. It’s the foundation of everything we do at Pathways. We’re here to provide the tools, the community, and the encouragement for people to break free from their pasts and build brighter futures.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Together, we’re creating pathways to stability, opportunity, and lasting transformation.
– James Gonzales CEO, Pathways to Services Development
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