- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- ACT values work
About James
James Johansen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 10 years of professional experience. He sees people dealing with LGBT concerns, relationship problems, grief and loss, intimacy issues, and anger. He also works with areas like kink and alternative sex culture, commitment and communication problems, substance issues, and feelings of isolation.
James approaches sessions assuming each person knows their own story best. He uses short, direct conversations to identify what matters most to the client. He prefers practical steps that can be tried between meetings and then adjusted based on what helps.
His work draws on several well-known methods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers simple skills for handling strong emotion and staying steady in high-stress moments. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice their values and take committed action even when feelings are intense.
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. James often breaks issues into manageable parts and suggests small experiments to try in daily life. He pays attention to relationship dynamics and communication habits when anger or intimacy concerns come up.
People who want direct, practical work on anger and relationships will find an approach that is plain and active. James aims to support clients in trying out new ways of relating, arguing less, and feeling more in control of their choices.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting ruled by them. Online ACT sessions focus on identifying personal values and planning small actions that fit daily life, which can help with anger that comes from feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and breaks unhelpful patterns into practical steps. In an online CBT session clients might track specific thought patterns, test different responses, and review results together.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and suggest which methods to try. That choice is collaborative and may shift as progress is made or as problems change.
Confirm the exact session formats before booking since the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example, shorter check-ins during a lunch break, or avoiding travel time. It also lets people practice communication or de-escalation skills between meetings and bring those moments back to discuss. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises like behavioral experiments and DBT skills training to remote sessions so the work stays practical and focused on everyday situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with LGBT issues, relationship and intimacy problems, grief and loss, and anger. Additional focuses include kink, commitment issues, substance concerns, isolation, jealousy, and related topics.
What is his approach in sessions?
He uses conversational, practical work that emphasizes small experiments and skills practice. Techniques come from CBT, DBT, ACT, attachment work, and client-centered methods.
How much experience does he have?
He has 10 years of professional experience working with adults on relationship and emotional concerns.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.