Michael James, LCPC, LPC

Michael James is a licensed counselor who focuses on practical, skill-based work to help people make life changes. He brings 24 years of experience to brief, goal-oriented sessions. Michael emphasizes clear steps people can use between meetings to reduce stress and manage symptoms. He draws primarily from cognitive behavioral therapy, using thought-and-behavior tools to address anxiety, depression, and addictions. He also uses client-centered techniques to build a trusting working relationship. Mindfulness and motivational approaches are woven in when they suit a person’s goals. Michael has supported people coping with grief, parenting strain, relationship and intimacy challenges, and career stress. He works with concerns such as sleeping and eating problems, anger, self-esteem, and trauma-related difficulties. He also helps with ADHD, bipolar issues, and substance concerns when those topics are part of someone’s story. Sessions are practical and collaborative. He helps people set clear goals, try specific strategies, and track what changes. Homework between sessions is common so that techniques become useful in everyday life. Clients come away with clearer ways to respond to strong emotions and routines that reduce overwhelm. Michael’s approach balances direct skills training with time to reflect on values and meaning. He aims to make therapy understandable and usable for busy lives.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

Michael uses cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and replace them with practical alternatives; this approach helps with anxiety, depression, and behavior patterns that keep problems going. Client-centered therapy is also part of his work, focusing on listening and building a working relationship so people feel heard and understood. Existential ideas are used when questions about meaning, values, or major life choices come up, helping people clarify what matters to them.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Michael will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and life context, and then suggest approaches to try. The plan can be adjusted over time based on what feels most helpful to the individual.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or a simpler check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief check-ins, coaching-style prompts, or people who prefer written conversation. These options make scheduling more flexible and help fit therapy into busy days.