Hello. I'm James and I appreciate that you are considering me to be your therapist. The decision to begin therapy for the first time or with a new treatment professional requires strength, courage and commitment. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, financial pressures, addiction or any other obstacle that prevents you from living the life that you want, finding the right therapist for you is an important part of getting yourself back to where you would like to be. I have experienced a variety of obstacles in my own life and personally understand how the therapeutic process can help change your life. This is my second career. While working in manufacturing at a pharmaceutical company, and being a full-time single-parent, I completed my education over a number of years and began working part-time in the field several years prior to my retirement from the pharmaceutical industry in 2012. I have worked with groups, individuals, and couples in a variety of settings. To me, this career is a calling for which my collective life experiences have prepared me. My Masters degrees are in Psychological Counseling, Addictions Counseling and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I very much appreciate the uniqueness of each individual and have worked with people from a number of different cultures, religions and lifestyle orientations. In my own life, I strive for continual personal growth and to nurture my mind body and spirit. Should you decide to work with me, I will help you to appreciate your strengths and to build on the courage and commitment that brought you to seek changes in your life. My goal is always to help you to find ways to be happy in your life and to do it in ways that work for you. If you're willing to do the work, your life WILL get better.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first session can be a little nerve-racking. It always takes courage to seek treatment with a new therapist. The more thoroughly that the Intake Form has been completed, the more smoothly the first session will usually go. I will ask some specific questions about the items pertaining to the reason for seeking treatment and other items listed on the form related to your background, employment, social support, etc. In addition, I will tell you about myself, my background, some of my own past, the way I work as a therapist and work with you to develop some initial goals for treatment.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

When it comes to working with people, I nearly always recognize your unique gifts and a can envision a positive path forward during our initial meeting. I enjoy people and believe in the healing power of self-awareness and a willingness to learn and grow. I take my work very seriously and understand the importance of therapy for the people I work with. I always appreciate feedback from you, which helps me to better serve your needs. I also recognize the power of humor and laughter in the healing process, and often find myself laughing together during therapy sessions. I believe my greatest strength is the ability to connect with people where they are and my willingness to learn how to facilitate the healing process for each individual in my care .

About James N Stowe LPC, CAADC