- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin issues
- CBT and ACT methods
About James
Dr. James Smith is a South Carolina LISW-CP with 32 years of practice. He works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, anger, depression, and life changes. He also addresses addictions, intimacy-related issues, trauma and abuse, and a range of family-related concerns including family of origin issues.
He frames clients as the experts on their own stories and looks for strengths to build on. Sessions focus on clear steps people can try between meetings. The tone is practical and direct, with attention to what is getting in the way now and what might work differently.
Therapeutic work can include skills for managing strong emotions, strategies for changing unhelpful thoughts, and learning how values can guide choices. He uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered methods alongside mindfulness and DBT-informed skills. These are used to address specific problems like communication breakdowns, control issues, or challenges tied to caregiving and blended families.
He often helps people untangle patterns that began in childhood and still affect relationships and self-image. That includes exploring family of origin dynamics and how those early roles influence current behavior. Sessions aim to name recurring patterns and try small experiments that test new ways of relating.
People can expect straightforward conversation, practical skills practice, and collaborative planning. The emphasis is on what can change in daily life and on making therapy useful from week to week.
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small actions consistent with those values. It is often used when someone wants to reduce avoidance and increase meaningful activity. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and testing unhelpful thoughts and building specific coping skills for anxiety, depression, and stress. Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes the client’s perspective and uses reflective conversation to help people weigh options and make their own decisions.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will review concerns, goals, and preferences and then try methods that fit. That process is collaborative, with check-ins on what is helping and what might be changed for a better fit.
Confirm the session formats directly before booking to know what is offered for this practice. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. Some people find it simpler to practice skills between sessions when therapy is scheduled around work or caregiving commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Listed in
South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, anger, depression, and coping with life changes, among other areas listed in his profile.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a practical, strengths-based approach that focuses on clear steps and skills people can try between sessions.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 32 years of professional experience in social work and related practice.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He practices as an LISW-CP in South Carolina.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.