James Johansen, LCSW

James Johansen is a California-licensed therapist with 10 years of professional experience who supports people navigating relationship challenges, grief, intimacy concerns, and anger management. As an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - he brings a social work perspective that emphasizes practical skills and strengths-based support. He has worked with clients around LGBT and LGBTQ+ related concerns, helping individuals and couples address communication problems, commitment questions, jealousy, and issues related to polyamory or non-monogamous relationships.

James also focuses on areas such as addiction, family difficulties, isolation and loneliness, midlife questions, and the specific needs of veterans and members of the armed forces. He has experience with kink, BDSM, and alternative sex culture and assists clients in exploring sexual identity and intimacy within those contexts. His practice includes work with anger, control issues, and the emotional fallout of loss and grief.

James approaches therapy from a stance that honors each person as the expert of their own story, highlighting clients' existing strengths as tools for change. He frames the decision to seek support as a courageous step and offers steady guidance throughout the process, helping clients build clearer communication, healthier connections, and a more fulfilling life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with James

James uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy within his online practice to help clients make meaningful changes while honoring their values and relationships. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with their personal values - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, grief, and patterns that interfere with daily life. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early and current relationship patterns shape emotional responses and connection - it can help with intimacy concerns, relationship struggles, and communication problems.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. James works with clients to learn about their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and together they decide which strategies and tools fit best. This shared planning helps ensure the work remains practical and relevant to each person's needs.

Online therapy offers flexibility and easier access to consistent care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options allow clients to schedule sessions around work, family, and other commitments and to stay connected with a licensed professional from a location that works for them.