- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction recovery
- Trauma and healing
About James
Dr. James Wood is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with 34 years of experience. He helps people who are stressed, anxious, struggling with addiction, or coping with trauma and depression. He aims to make therapy straightforward and approachable so people can take the next step toward change.
In sessions he focuses on building an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be talked through. He uses practical methods to help clients notice patterns, try new responses, and practice skills between meetings. Therapy often includes talking about relationships, family history, and how past events affect day-to-day life.
Dr. Wood blends several approaches to match what each person needs. He draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavior tools, attachment ideas, and other relational methods to help people manage difficult emotions and improve communication. He also uses techniques from dialectical behavior approaches when coping skills and emotional regulation are priorities.
His background includes many years of clinical work in California and a long career focused on recovery, healing, and personal growth. He is working on a memoir titled Different Drummer that reflects on his life, military service, recovery, and path into psychotherapy. That experience informs a practical, steady style in the therapy room.
People who choose him can expect calm guidance, clear tools, and collaborative planning. He supports clients as they set goals, practice new habits, and track progress between sessions.
In sessions he focuses on building an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be talked through. He uses practical methods to help clients notice patterns, try new responses, and practice skills between meetings. Therapy often includes talking about relationships, family history, and how past events affect day-to-day life.
Dr. Wood blends several approaches to match what each person needs. He draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavior tools, attachment ideas, and other relational methods to help people manage difficult emotions and improve communication. He also uses techniques from dialectical behavior approaches when coping skills and emotional regulation are priorities.
His background includes many years of clinical work in California and a long career focused on recovery, healing, and personal growth. He is working on a memoir titled Different Drummer that reflects on his life, military service, recovery, and path into psychotherapy. That experience informs a practical, steady style in the therapy room.
People who choose him can expect calm guidance, clear tools, and collaborative planning. He supports clients as they set goals, practice new habits, and track progress between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
34+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
How therapy approaches translate to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values. It is often useful for anxiety, stress, and making life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and trying small behavior changes to shift mood and functioning. It works well for depression, anxiety, and addictive patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels helpful. Together they will try methods that suit the client’s needs and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.
Confirm the current session formats before booking since specific online options are not listed in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, shorten travel time, and allow brief check-ins when a longer visit is difficult. It can also let people use tools and worksheets between meetings and practice skills in their everyday routines. Licensed professionals can guide which approach and scheduling style will best support each person’s goals.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coaching needs. He also supports people with issues like attachment, codependency, and family of origin concerns.
What is his approach in sessions?
Sessions focus on open listening, practical skills, and collaborative planning. He mixes talking, skill practice, and exploration of relationship patterns to help people manage emotions and behavior.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 34 years of professional work experience in mental health. That long practice informs a steady, practical style in therapy.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, CA LMFT, practicing in California.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions priced and billed?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.