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James Johansen

James Johansen

LCSW

California

Supportive LCSW guiding practical change

Continue with James

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, California / 97882
Experience
10 years
Languages
English
Location
California

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational approach
    • Values-based work
    • Relationship focus

    About James

    James Johansen is a licensed clinical social worker in California with ten years of experience helping people facing relationship stress, grief, LGBTQ+ concerns, and intimacy issues. He offers calm, direct support and focuses on what each person wants to change in their life. James believes people bring important strengths and knowledge about their own story. He aims to make the first steps less overwhelming and more manageable.

    In sessions he listens first and follows the person's lead. He uses motivational techniques to help people clarify what matters to them and to build momentum for change. He also draws from acceptance and commitment ideas to help clients live in line with their values, and from attachment-based work to look at how past relationships shape current patterns.

    James uses straightforward, client-centered conversations and practical cognitive-behavior tools when they fit the situation. He often helps with communication problems, commitment questions, jealousy, and midlife transitions. He also addresses areas like addiction, anger, and loneliness with concrete coping strategies.

    People reach out to him about non-monogamous relationship concerns, kink and alternative sex culture, and issues tied to prejudice or veteran experiences. He frames problems in everyday terms and helps people set small, achievable steps toward clearer goals.

    To begin, James asks about what a better week would look like and then helps shape a plan that matches each person's pace and priorities.

  2. How approaches like motivational interviewing and ACT work online

    James draws on motivational interviewing to help people clarify their goals and build small, realistic steps toward change. That approach focuses on listening, reflecting, and helping someone find their own reasons to move forward in ways that feel doable.

    He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, and then choose actions that match their values. Attachment-informed ideas are used to look at relationship patterns and how past bonds affect current behavior.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. James treats the process as collaborative and will discuss which methods seem to fit a person's needs, goals, and preferences. He adjusts the plan as the work unfolds so it stays useful and realistic.

    Session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example, shorter check-ins can be scheduled during a lunch break, and phone sessions can be used when video is difficult. These practical choices help clients keep momentum while managing everyday demands.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    LGBTRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger management

    Additional focus areas

    BDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexuality

    Therapeutic approaches

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

    Experience

    10+ years

    Listed in

    California

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of concerns does this therapist help with?

    He helps people with relationship strain, grief and loss, intimacy-related challenges, anger, and a range of other concerns such as communication problems, addiction, and loneliness.

    What is the therapy style like in sessions?

    Sessions are client-centered and conversational. The therapist listens closely, uses motivational interviewing techniques, and offers practical tools when helpful.

    How much experience does he bring to therapy?

    He has ten years of professional experience working with adults on relationship and personal challenges.

    What are his credentials and where is he based?

    He holds an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) credential and practices in California.

    Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?

    Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

    What session formats does he offer?

    Session formats are not specified here; please confirm current session options before booking.

    How is cost handled for therapy with him?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with this therapist?

    Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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James Johansen Continue with James