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MJ Portrait of Michael James

Michael James

Experienced CBT-informed counselor fostering practical change

LCPC, LPC Missouri

Experience
24 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English

About Michael

Michael James is a licensed counselor who emphasizes cognitive-behavioral techniques while drawing on a range of therapeutic traditions to meet clients where they are.

Background and approach

With 24 years of experience as an LCPC and LPC, he focuses on forming a collaborative alliance that helps people address concerns such as anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting challenges, and stress-related problems. He integrates practical strategies with reflective work to help clients develop skills that reduce distress and improve daily functioning.

He describes therapy as a joint process in which the relationship itself supports change, and he adapts methods to match each person’s situation. In addition to CBT, his practice includes client-centered, existential, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing approaches, applied across concerns like eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and career or life transition issues.

Michael practices in Missouri and works in English, offering a steady, experienced presence for those seeking guided problem solving and personal insight.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Michael uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical coping skills for worries, mood concerns, addictions, and many daily stressors. He also draws from client-centered therapy, which focuses on listening, empathy, and creating a supportive space so individuals can explore values, identity, and relationship dynamics at their own pace.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and happens collaboratively. He works with clients to weigh goals, preferences, and the nature of presenting concerns, then adjusts methods as progress unfolds so the plan fits each person’s needs rather than forcing one fixed model.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for differing schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access care from Missouri and allow clients to continue work between meetings through messaging and varied contact styles, which can support consistency and follow-through during change.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michael work with?
He addresses a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting, depression, relationship and family problems, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Michael emphasizes cognitive behavioral strategies while also drawing on client-centered, existential, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing methods to tailor work to each client's needs.
What is his professional background and experience?
He brings 24 years of clinical experience and frames therapy as a collaborative process that combines skills-building with reflective exploration.
What credentials and location does he hold?
Michael holds LCPC and LPC credentials with licence details KS LCPC LCPC 03561 and MO LPC 2009034544, and he practices in Missouri.
Can he work with non-English speakers or international clients?
He provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
In what formats are sessions offered?
Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Licensed

Missouri, Kansas

Languages

English