At a glance
- Credentials
- LMHC
- License
- LMHC, Hawaii / MHC-367; LMHC, Iowa / 122890
- NPI
- 1104441880
- Experience
- 22 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Hawaii
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Motivational change focus
- Relationship and family help
- Practical between-session tasks
About James
Dr. James Ruby is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 22 years of experience helping people navigate hard moments. He works in Hawaii and focuses on relationship struggles, grief, anxiety, depression, addictions, and life changes. People come to him for help with communication, parenting strain, career questions, and self-esteem concerns.
He uses Motivational Interviewing to nudge change in ways that feel manageable. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered approaches to help people notice what matters most and move toward it. Sessions include conversation, reflection, and practical tasks to try between meetings.
Dr. Ruby believes the past shapes us but does not have to define us. He helps people identify old patterns and choose different responses. He often asks simple questions and offers short exercises to test new ways of relating to thoughts and feelings.
In the therapy room he keeps a nonjudgmental tone and aims to reduce shame and blame. He supports people who are dealing with caregiver stress, family conflict, fatherhood challenges, hospice and end-of-life concerns, and loneliness. He also helps people exploring identity and intimacy issues.
Clients can expect a collaborative process that blends listening with active tools. He invites questions and encourages people to pick the path that fits their life and goals.
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How his approaches translate to online therapy
Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people find their own reasons to change. It uses open questions and reflective listening to build motivation for steps like reducing substance use or improving routines. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck and guides them toward actions that match their values. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, accepting stance where the therapist listens closely and follows the client's lead.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match goals, personality, and everyday demands. That discussion can happen over the first few sessions and may shift as needs change.
The biography does not specify exact session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life and to meet from different locations. It can also allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, or a phone session when video would be difficult. Licensed professionals can use these formats to maintain continuity of care and to help clients try new strategies between appointments. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionADHDAdditional focus areas
Caregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesSelf-loveWorkplace issuesYoung adult issuesTherapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyExistential TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapyExperience
22+ years
Listed in
Hawaii, Iowa
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this counselor address?
He works with relationship problems, grief, anxiety, depression, addictions, and stress. He also supports people with parenting, communication, workplace issues, and questions around life purpose.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His style is collaborative and nonjudgmental. He blends Motivational Interviewing with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered techniques to help people set goals and try new behaviors.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 22 years of professional experience working in counseling settings. That background includes helping people through grief, family problems, and life transitions.
Where does he practice and what are his credentials?
He practices in Hawaii and holds the LMHC credential. Sessions and materials are provided in English.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
International clients are accepted. Sessions are offered in English for clients located in other countries.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking to know whether online or in-person meetings are available.
How does payment and cost work?
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?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability. He welcomes questions to help find a good match.
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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