- Family of origin
- Attachment issues
- CBT and ACT
About James
Dr. James Wood is an LMFT licensed in California with 34 years of clinical experience. He works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, and provides coaching for life changes. He also addresses family of origin issues and related concerns such as attachment difficulties, codependency, and communication problems.
In a session he encourages people to speak plainly about what is happening. He listens for patterns that repeat from childhood and examines how those patterns affect current relationships and decisions. He helps clients notice unhelpful thoughts and build skills for handling strong emotions and urges.
His methods draw on approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. He uses these methods to offer practical techniques along with longer conversations about values, boundaries, and past experiences. Sessions often mix skill practice with reflective discussion.
James has worked with people recovering from substance problems and with those wrestling with shame, guilt, or isolation. He also supports people processing adoption or foster care questions, abandonment concerns, and the fallout of divorce or separation. The focus is on understanding how early family roles and expectations continue to shape adult life.
He lives and practices in California. Outside of therapy he has written a memoir titled Different Drummer, which traces his life from childhood through military service and recovery, and into a career in psychotherapy.
How his approaches are used for online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and learning how to act in line with personal values. It can help when worry or shame keeps someone stuck and they want clearer direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical strategies to reduce anxiety or depressive patterns. Attachment-Based Therapy pays attention to early relationships and how they influence current closeness and trust issues.Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. He will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels helpful. Together they decide whether to emphasize skills training, exploration of past relationships, or a mix of methods based on the client’s needs.
The site notes session formats only when the therapist’s biography specifies them; if formats are not listed here, confirm current session options before booking. Online work can fit into busy lives by making it easier to schedule shorter check-ins or weekday appointments and by removing travel time. It can also allow sessions where camera use is optional, or where a phone call may be a better fit because of bandwidth or quieter surroundings. Licensed professionals often use these practical options to help sessions fit into everyday routines without asking clients to rearrange major commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
34+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, and trauma and abuse. He also addresses family of origin issues, attachment problems, and related struggles like codependency and communication problems.
What is his general approach in sessions?
Sessions combine practical skill work with reflective conversation. He uses techniques to manage thoughts and emotions while exploring how past family patterns affect present life.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 34 years of professional work experience in psychotherapy.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LMFT licensed in California and practices there.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule your 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.