Works with
- Anger
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
How James works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- California
- Years in practice
- 10
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About James
James Johansen is a licensed clinical social worker in California with ten years of practice experience. He helps people who are dealing with anger, relationship stress, grief, LGBTQ+ concerns, and intimacy-related challenges. James aims to make the first step feel doable and offers steady support while clients begin to change.
He meets people where they are and focuses on practical next steps rather than jargon. James prefers clear, collaborative work.
Background and approach
He listens first, then helps people spot patterns that keep causing pain. He uses a mix of approaches to teach skills for managing strong emotions, improving communication, and making values-based choices. Sessions often include straightforward exercises and concrete homework that people can try between meetings.
He has particular experience with topics often left out of ordinary therapy, such as kink, polyamory, and questions around sexual identity and discrimination. He also helps people facing issues with control, jealousy, or midlife transitions. When substance use or past military experience comes up, he brings that into the conversation without judgment.
James holds an LCSW, which means he is a licensed clinical social worker. He practices in California and conducts sessions in English. His style is practical and warm, aimed at helping people gain tools rather than just talk about problems.
People who choose him usually want clear skills for anger and better ways to connect with others. He supports clients in testing small changes, tracking what works, and building a life that aligns with their values.
What James works with
Everything James lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in James's practice.
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family problems
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
Approaches James lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
- Systemic Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small actions that match those values. It helps with anger that keeps getting in the way of what matters and with making steady changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is useful for managing intense emotions and improving everyday reactions.Finding the right approach is part of the work. James will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and situation. That conversation happens after listening to what matters most and trying a few different strategies to see what helps.
Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues when that matters. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging make it easier to check in between sessions, practice skills in real time, or get brief support without scheduling a call. These options help people fit therapy into busy lives and try tools in the settings where they need them most.
Questions people ask about James
What kinds of problems can James help with?
He helps people dealing with anger, relationship strain, grief, LGBTQ+ matters, and intimacy-related issues. He also addresses concerns like control, jealousy, addiction, and life transitions.
What is his approach in sessions?
Sessions are collaborative and down-to-earth. He mixes skills training, values work, and listening to help people manage strong feelings and improve communication.
How much experience does he bring?
He has ten years of professional experience working with a range of concerns including anger management and relationship issues.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is licensed as an LCSW in California and provides services from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How does the subscription and cost work?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.