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LMFT

Dr. James Wood, LMFT

  • Experience34 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Addictions, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About James

Dr. James Wood brings 34 years of clinical experience to people seeking help with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and depression.

Background and approach

He emphasizes a compassionate therapeutic stance that encourages clients to take steps toward greater fulfillment, offering steady support and practical tools while honoring each person’s pace and readiness for change. His practice emphasizes open, nonjudgmental dialogue where thoughts and feelings can be explored safely.

Dr. Wood integrates several well-established approaches, drawing on methods that address patterns of thought and behavior as well as relational and attachment dynamics.

He also works with clients on issues related to abandonment, adoption and foster care, family of origin concerns, codependency, communication problems, and coping with loss, illness, or life disruption. Licensed in California as an LMFT, he helps people who are ready to pursue healing and growth and offers guidance that blends insight with concrete skills.

Outside of clinical work he has authored a memoir, Different Drummer, which reflects on life experience and recovery and informs his empathic, person-focused perspective.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Access

Dr. Wood uses Internal Family Systems to help clients notice and relate to the different parts of themselves, fostering internal cooperation and easing internal conflict. This approach can be useful for people coping with persistent self-criticism, trauma reactions, or complex emotional patterns.

He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on clarifying values and learning practical ways to make room for difficult thoughts and feelings while taking committed action toward meaningful goals. Attachment-Based Therapy is another strand of his work, attending to relational patterns and how early connections shape present-day responses and relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he works collaboratively to determine what aligns best with a client’s needs, goals, and preferences. Together they evaluate progress and adapt methods as needed so therapy feels relevant and effective.

Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, his online practice aims to provide flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to access consistent support, maintain continuity of care, and integrate therapeutic work into everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coaching needs, along with related areas such as attachment issues, codependency, and family of origin matters.
What is his therapeutic style and approach?
His style is client-centered and nonjudgmental, blending insight-oriented work with practical skills from approaches like CBT and ACT to help clients make meaningful changes.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 34 years of professional experience working with a variety of psychological and relational concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds the credential LMFT and is licensed in California under CA LMFT 28825.
Does he provide services in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching

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

Licensed

California

Languages

English