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James is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with 18 years of clinical experience. I work with clients aged 17 and up, and I specialize working with clients of all orientations and beliefs providing Evidenced Based Practice addressing issues with Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use Disorders, PTSD, Major Life Transitions and Acute Trauma.
My psychological approach incorporates an emphasis on effective dialogue through a series of open-ended questions and common language referred to as Motivational Interviewing. Together with the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the combination often enhances a healthy pathway towards effecting a client’s desire to change from within. I am sensitive to each individuals strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
My professional style is to provide clients with a firm understanding that I am there to pull alongside them as they continue with identifying and addressing barriers to overall wellness. Ongoing support maintaining the gains they have made with guidance and client-centered care are as important as the presenting problem throughout the therapeutic relationship.
As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I have learned and possess a firm belief in the value of healthy, gainful employment or other meaningful activities as a significant component of overall wellness. I am a strong advocate to those who have placed their trust in me to guide them with their progress. I identify the incorporation of self-advocacy through self-awareness as one of my stronger qualities.
I am a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. As such, I have experience dealing with transition and developing coping skills needed to try to make the best of a potential temporary, but stressful period. My personal journey achieving wellness facilitates an added level of empathy and optimism, while concurrently exploring and addressing discrepancies in a client’s behavior in a manner in which I would want to be treated.
A simple goal I have during therapy is to have my clients reach restoration of self with the achievement of contentment in their lives.
