New to Grow
Hi, I’m James Gonzales, LMFT. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with individuals navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, and life transitions. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being open and honest. My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based practices, focusing on building insight, strengthening coping skills, and helping clients create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and understanding what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask about your concerns, goals, and background, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We’ll also talk about what you hope to get out of therapy and begin creating a plan that feels supportive, collaborative, and tailored to your needs.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths are creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood, and tailoring treatment to each person rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. I blend evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care to help clients gain insight, build practical coping skills, and create real, lasting change. Clients often share that they feel supported, empowered, and more confident in managing their emotions and challenges.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m best positioned to support individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained and want to better understand themselves and create meaningful change. I work well with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, mood challenges, trauma, or major life transitions, especially those who are motivated to build coping skills, gain insight, and improve their overall well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a primary treatment approach in my practice. I use CBT because it is an evidence-based, structured, and collaborative method that helps clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how these patterns contribute to their difficulties.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is a core framework that guides how I engage with individuals across all stages of assessment and intervention. I work from the understanding that trauma is widespread and that its effects can be long-lasting, influencing emotional regulation, behavior, relationships, and a person’s sense of safety and control. As a result, I approach all clients with the assumption that trauma may be present, even if it has not been disclosed. In my practice, I prioritize emotional and psychological safety. This begins with establishing clear boundaries, predictable session structures, and transparent communication. I take time to explain processes, invite questions, and ensure clients understand that they have choice and control in their care. I am attentive to verbal and non-verbal cues that may indicate discomfort or distress, and I adjust my approach accordingly to prevent retraumatization.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) as a strengths-based and goal-oriented approach that focuses on helping clients identify solutions rather than exploring problems in depth. I value SFBT for its collaborative nature and its emphasis on clients’ existing abilities, resilience, and resources.