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JR Portrait of James Rusk

James Rusk

Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions

LICSW West Virginia

Experience
17 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Family, Grief
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with James

About James

James Rusk is a LICSW practicing in West Virginia who helps people address stress, anxiety, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, addictions, parenting challenges, career questions, bipolar disorder, depression, and compassion fatigue.

Background and approach

He draws on a mix of evidence-informed approaches to support clients as they navigate life changes, rebuild self-esteem, and manage emotional and interpersonal difficulties. With 17 years of clinical experience, he frames therapeutic work around practical strategies and attention to personal meaning.

Rusk favors a collaborative, client-centered stance that encourages people to explore the stories they tell about their lives and how those narratives shape present experience. He incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness-influenced practices to help clients notice patterns, shift unhelpful thinking, and take actions aligned with their values.

His style emphasizes partnership, gentle curiosity, and practical skill building rather than prescriptive advice. Clients can expect a thoughtful integration of therapeutic methods aimed at promoting coping and clearer decision making.

Rusk accepts international clients and offers a range of online formats to fit different schedules and preferences.

Approaches That Translate Well Online

CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; it uses practical exercises and skills training to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood instability. ACT encourages people to clarify personal values and take committed action while learning to accept difficult internal experiences, which can help with grief, life transitions, and chronic stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and the therapist works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs and goals. Together they explore preferences, try techniques, and adapt the plan as progress and life circumstances evolve, with the client’s experience guiding decisions about emphasis and strategy.

Online formats such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to maintain continuity during life changes. These options offer flexibility for different communication styles, allowing clients to engage in real time or asynchronously and to use the format that best supports learning and emotional work.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
Areas of focus include stress, anxiety, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting, addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, self-esteem, career questions, and compassion fatigue.
What is the therapeutic style and approach used?
The approach is collaborative and client-centered, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), existential and mindfulness elements to help clients examine thoughts, values, and behavior.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
The clinician has 17 years of clinical experience working in a variety of settings, bringing long-term practice to current work with clients.
Where is the therapist licensed and located?
He is a LICSW practicing in West Virginia with license details WV LICSW DP00946174.
In which languages and client locations can he work?
Sessions are offered in English and the therapist is accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for meetings?
Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are costs and payment arranged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How does someone begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic Therapy

Experience

17+ years

Licensed

West Virginia

Languages

English