Works with
How James works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LMHC
- Licensed in
- Massachusetts
- Years in practice
- 18
- Languages
- English, Japanese
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About James
James Votaw is a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts with an MA in clinical mental health counseling. He brings 18 years of clinical experience, including work as an outpatient therapist and as an emergency room crisis clinician. He offers help for common concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and sleep problems.
Sessions are offered in English and Japanese. Votaw aims to create a calm space where people can speak honestly about what’s worrying them.
Background and approach
He focuses first on understanding a person’s experience and perspective. From there he helps build practical ways to change negative thinking and unhelpful habits. He uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to identify thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going.
He also draws on client-centered methods to keep sessions focused on the person’s priorities. Mindfulness and hypnotherapy techniques are available when they fit the work. Many people come to him for help with life changes, relationship strain, grief, trauma, addiction, or career stress.
He also supports those dealing with control issues, guilt and shame, phobias, OCD symptoms, and social anxiety. He frames progress as a series of small, achievable choices rather than overnight fixes. Practical matters such as messaging between sessions or shorter phone check-ins can be part of the plan.
Costs vary with location and the subscription model used for sessions can be canceled at any time. To begin, someone completes a short matching questionnaire and schedules according to therapist availability.
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.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Sleeping disorders
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Control issues
- Guilt and shame
- Immigration issues
- Men's issues
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Social anxiety and phobia
Approaches James lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Hypnotherapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approaches and how online therapy fits
Client-centered therapy means sessions follow the person’s priorities. The therapist listens without judgment and shapes the work around what the client wants to change. This approach is useful when someone needs space to sort out feelings or decide on next steps.Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on spotting thoughts and behaviors that keep problems active and replacing them with more helpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, anger, and sleep issues because it gives clear exercises and steps to practice between sessions.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The therapist will work together with each person to decide which methods suit their goals and comfort level. This collaborative planning can include trying techniques for a few sessions and adjusting based on what helps.
Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls let people work face-to-face when that is helpful. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and can be easier for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging make it possible to follow up, set small goals, or get brief support between longer sessions. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to keep momentum between appointments.
Questions people ask about James
What concerns does this counselor address?
He helps with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, sleep problems, addictions, grief, trauma, relationship and career stress among other issues.
What is the therapeutic style like?
Sessions emphasize understanding your perspective and building concrete ways to change thoughts and behaviors. The style is practical and client-focused.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
He has 18 years of experience, including outpatient work and time as an emergency room crisis clinician.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds an MA and is an LMHC licensed in Massachusetts.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English and Japanese. International clients are not currently accepted.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.