About James
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy Practitioner and Supervisor. I have dedicated my career to helping people grow, heal, and seek change in their lives that is culturally-sensitive and personally meaningful. I believe that even when circumstances appear bleak or relationships seem to be on their last leg there is hope for resilience and change.
I was raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and have lived all over the United States, having served as a counselor, clinical social worker, and therapist in community settings with a many different populations who have experienced a variety of problems including:
No matter the problems life has presented, my clients tell me they find my approach helpful, supportive, and effective. My clients tell me that they sense I see them as a real person, and not just a client, and that they see what I do is not just a gimmicky job. They know this was a calling for me, and helping people make their worlds better is a passion of mine.
Through it all I have learned how to sit with someone else's painful feelings and human longings, knowing that this is the first step to healing and transformation in therapy. I have learned that healing and change happen in the context of secure and responsive relationships. No matter the circumstance, the common denominator in our lives is our longing for secure closeness and connection. There's no denying it: Attachment and Self-Determination needs are in our DNA as a species (for ALL mammals actually!). I know that we all require to be captured by others, to be part of something larger than ourselves. Our relationships, whether romantic, marital, familial, peer, or communal, are what give our lives meaning and context. And we need to sense value in our choices, and competency in our lives.
I was raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and have lived all over the United States, having served as a counselor, clinical social worker, and therapist in community settings with a many different populations who have experienced a variety of problems including:
- couples, families, and individuals experiencing relationship and marital distress,
- individuals with histories of trauma and emotional distress,
- people who have experienced poverty, discrimination, and community violence,
- people who have been diagnosed with serious, chronic and terminal illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, Hep C, and cancer,
- those recovering from addictions (out of control substance and alcohol use, & sex and love mis-use)
- and people recovering from challenging situations such as long-term unemployment, domestic abuse, serious psychiatric illness, and homelessness.
No matter the problems life has presented, my clients tell me they find my approach helpful, supportive, and effective. My clients tell me that they sense I see them as a real person, and not just a client, and that they see what I do is not just a gimmicky job. They know this was a calling for me, and helping people make their worlds better is a passion of mine.
Through it all I have learned how to sit with someone else's painful feelings and human longings, knowing that this is the first step to healing and transformation in therapy. I have learned that healing and change happen in the context of secure and responsive relationships. No matter the circumstance, the common denominator in our lives is our longing for secure closeness and connection. There's no denying it: Attachment and Self-Determination needs are in our DNA as a species (for ALL mammals actually!). I know that we all require to be captured by others, to be part of something larger than ourselves. Our relationships, whether romantic, marital, familial, peer, or communal, are what give our lives meaning and context. And we need to sense value in our choices, and competency in our lives.
Outside of my private practice, I have held clinical faculty appointment at the UNC School of Medicine (Department of Psychiatry), where I have been a therapist, program director, and state-wide program coordinator in Early Psychosis Intervention services with the OASIS Program. I am also active in the EFT professional community via ICEEFT and the Carolina Center for EFT, the National Association of Social Workers, and local ("Triangle") psychotherapist communities, and I provide relationship education seminars and trainings to helping professionals and the public alike with the help of other EFT therapists (Hold Me Tight® NC). I have also held membership in the past with the American Academy of Psychotherapists, an advanced clinical fellowship organization for psychotherapists committed to personal growth and development beyond technical training. I am also a member with the Clinical Social Work Association (locally known as the "NC Society for Clinical Social Work"), National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists, Modern Commitment, and the AEDP Institute. Additionally, I know what it's like to be a psychotherapy client, having done my own for many years (I believe it is important for therapists to have this experience in addition to their training and supervision).
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy time with my wife, our animal companions (one pictured above), family and friends, and I play guitar in local metal bands.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy time with my wife, our animal companions (one pictured above), family and friends, and I play guitar in local metal bands.
