- CBT based work
- Mindfulness techniques
- Motivational interviewing
About Michael
Michael James is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 24 years of experience. He works with common difficulties such as stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma and abuse, and anger. He also addresses relationship and intimacy issues, parenting concerns, grief, sleep and eating problems, and career-related stress.
He describes himself as a generalist who has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. Building a working relationship is the first priority in his practice. That relationship is what lets him and a client try out approaches that reduce emotional reactivity and improve daily functioning.
Michael draws primarily on cognitive-behavioral ideas, combined with client-centered and existential perspectives. He uses mindfulness and motivational interviewing when they fit a person's goals. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings and on habits that change how strong feelings play out.
When anger or resentment are the concern, he breaks problems into small, manageable parts. He helps people notice triggers, test unhelpful thoughts, and practice different responses. He also supports people dealing with someone else's anger by improving safety planning and communication strategies.
His work aims to be straightforward and skill-focused. People leave sessions with specific tools to try at home or at work. To begin, he asks simple questions about the problem, what has been tried, and what matters most to the client.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and working at the clients pace. It helps when someone needs time to describe patterns in relationships and anger without being led. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers clear exercises to try between sessions for issues like anger, anxiety, and sleep problems. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and notice early signs of escalating emotion.Finding the right mix is a joint process. Michael reviews what has helped before, what the person wants to change, and how hard it feels to try new skills. He collaborates with clients to pick approaches that fit their goals and day-to-day life rather than imposing a single method.
This profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Some formats also use less bandwidth or do not require being on camera, which can help people focus on learning new skills rather than technical setup.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
Missouri, Kansas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger-related issues does he address?
He works with losing temper with close people, workplace frustration, building resentment, and living with someone elses anger as part of a wider set of concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He emphasizes a practical, skills-based approach that starts with building a strong working relationship and then testing strategies between sessions.
What is his professional background and experience?
He holds LCPC and LPC credentials and has 24 years of experience working across age groups and settings.
Where is he licensed to practice?
He is licensed in Missouri and holds the KS LCPC and MO LPC credentials as listed.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Specific session formats are not listed here; confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing and starting therapy work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To start, use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.