LMFT, 14 years of experience
Hi, my name is James, and I have a passion for working with couples, adults, and older adults who may be navigating challenges in their marriages, careers, retirement, or simply in “finding purpose.” My goal is to help you shape—or re-shape—your life in ways that raise the quality of your day-to-day experience. Since you are reading this, I want you to know that an effective therapist is not only defined by professional training, but also by life experiences, expertise, patience, compassion, and an open mind. Therapy is a partnership, and together we will work toward clear, realistic, and meaningful goals that give you direction and confidence. I believe that growth often begins with the willingness to take the first step, and one of my favorite sayings reflects that truth: “Whatever you believe that you can do; begin it!” – Goethe If you are ready to begin, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
My role is first and foremost to listen and to understand what you would like to change in your life. From there, we work together to discover practical ways to help you move away from suffering and toward greater peace and balance. I often suggest books, resources, and homework to give you continuity between sessions, and I welcome emails in between as part of your ongoing support. I use the word Counseling rather than Therapy because I believe that suffering—while painful—can also lead to growth. To me, “therapy” can sometimes imply that something is broken and needs to be fixed. Counseling, on the other hand, reflects the idea of walking alongside another human being for a time, finding new perspectives, and opening pathways for growth in the midst of life’s challenges—whether those challenges involve a struggling relationship, a loss of purpose, health difficulties, or other transitions we all face.
In terms of experience, I bring to our sessions over 50 years of living life in all its richness—its ups and downs, its triumphs and setbacks. For the first part of my career, I was an entrepreneur, starting and managing a couple of companies. Eventually, I fell flat on my face, and that humbling season forced me to re-group. Counseling and therapy as a client became a way for me to re-craft my life and begin a new chapter. And it really helped! From there, I launched into a corporate career where I created new products, developed business strategies, consulted for organizations, and even did advocacy work in Washington, D.C. Along the way, I learned firsthand how resilience, reinvention, and persistence are built. Today, I can draw on these wide-ranging experiences to help you along your own path. My professional training as a therapist provides me with the roadmap and structure, while my lived experience allows me to meet you where you are with empathy and perspective. When I reached my 50s, I felt burned out from chasing money and business success. What grew in its place was a deeper passion to serve others. Becoming a therapist gave me a renewed sense of purpose and meaning, along with a profound humility. It is a true honor to be invited in as a witness to your story—your struggles, your growth, and your unique life journey. My education reflects the same variety as my career. I earned a Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University many years ago, followed by an MBA from Harvard—a challenging and rewarding experience—and later a Master’s degree in Counseling. Today, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #53141) in the state of California.
When you are feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by relationship struggles, life transitions, or the weight of panic attacks, ADHD, PTSD, or other debilitating challenges, it can feel as though you are stuck—immobilized, uncertain of what to do, and even disconnected from your own feelings. I hear you. My role is to provide a safe and compassionate space where you can begin to sort through those difficult emotions, rediscover your strengths, and learn practical strategies to help you regain balance. Together, we will slow things down, clarify what you are experiencing, and identify the patterns or beliefs that may be keeping you from moving forward. Therapy with me is not about rushing to a quick fix, but about walking with you at a steady, supportive pace—helping you move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling more capable, connected, and grounded. Ultimately, our work together will help you take those first steps toward something new: a different way of experiencing yourself, your relationships, and your daily life with greater clarity and purpose.
Life can bring challenges that feel overwhelming—whether it’s the racing thoughts and worry of anxiety, the heaviness and disconnection of depression, or the painful distance and conflict that can grow in relationships. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I provide a safe and supportive space where you can feel truly heard and begin to explore new ways forward. For individuals, I use evidence-based CBT tools to help you understand unhelpful thought patterns, calm difficult emotions, and build healthier coping strategies. For couples, I guide partners in breaking free from cycles of conflict, improving communication, and restoring trust and connection. My goal is to offer both compassion and practical strategies so you can experience relief from symptoms, strengthen your relationships, and create a more hopeful, balanced, and meaningful life.
5 ratings with written reviews
August 12, 2025
What makes James so effective for me is his relatability in juggling a demanding career and home life as husband and father. He makes sure I'm optimizing for the balance I need.
July 29, 2025
I was assigned to him. He is very helpful and I enjoyed my session with him look forward to more
April 8, 2025
Very Positive, Comfortable, Passionate and Informative... He actually Listened...