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JH Portrait of James Hibma

James Hibma

Experienced Iowa LISW guiding practical change

LISW Iowa

Experience
32 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English

About James

James Hibma is a licensed social worker in Iowa with 32 years of clinical experience who helps people manage stress, anxiety, anger, relationship strains, career challenges, and depression.

Background and approach

He works with a broad range of concerns including blended family dynamics, caregiver strain, control and trust issues, divorce and separation, domestic violence effects, family of origin matters, guilt and shame, infidelity, questions of life purpose, men's issues, midlife transitions, money and financial stress, panic attacks, seasonal affective disorder, and social anxiety and phobia.

His approach emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while tailoring conversations and treatment plans to each person's circumstances. He draws on Client-Centered principles to create an accepting environment and employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to address thought patterns and behaviors that maintain difficulties.

Sessions are shaped around practical goals and steps that align with a client's values and priorities. Seeking help can be a courageous first move toward greater satisfaction and balance, and he aims to support and empower clients as they pursue change.

James frames therapy as a collaborative process, adapting pacing and methods to fit individual needs and preferences.

Practical approaches for online support

James uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to stress, anxiety, panic, and low mood; CBT focuses on practical skills and structured exercises that can reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. He also employs Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a nonjudgmental environment so clients feel heard and supported while exploring their goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative work in therapy. He will work with each person to determine which methods and pace fit their needs and preferences, adjusting techniques as goals evolve to ensure the plan remains relevant and helpful.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to schedule sessions from varied locations and to choose the interaction mode that feels most comfortable, while preserving continuity of care even when life circumstances change.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
James supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, anger, career challenges, and depression, along with a variety of related issues such as panic attacks, social phobia, and blended family matters.
What is his therapeutic style and methods?
He combines a client-centered stance that emphasizes empathy and collaboration with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques that focus on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
How much clinical experience does he have?
The therapist brings 32 years of professional work experience to his practice, applying a long-standing background to current client needs.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He holds the LISW credential with licence number IA LISW 00953 and is licensed to practice in Iowa.
Does he work with clients who live outside the United States?
Yes, he accepts international clients and offers services to people living outside the U.S.
What session formats are available for online work?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use 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 a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily of origin issuesGuilt and shameInfidelityLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesPanic disorder and panic attacksSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience

32+ years

Licensed

Iowa

Languages

English