James Wankel

Compassionate practical therapy for everyday challenges

LCSW, LISW-CP North Carolina

Experience: 5 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About James

James Wankel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in North Carolina who focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, coaching needs, and ADHD.

Background and approach

He draws on five years of clinical experience to blend practical strategies with empathic listening, aiming to help clients manage symptoms, organize goals, and regain a sense of agency. His background includes work with a wide range of concerns such as communication and commitment challenges, chronic pain and illness, dissociation, and substance-related problems.

His style centers on collaboration and tailoring interventions to each person’s circumstances. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered listening and mindfulness techniques to identify unhelpful patterns, build coping skills, and develop new ways of relating to thoughts and feelings.

Motivational Interviewing and narrative techniques are added when exploring ambivalence or reshaping a client’s personal story. Sessions emphasize practical tools, clear goals, and steady support so clients can make meaningful changes in daily life.

James holds the credentials LCSW and LISW-CP and brings a respectful, nonjudgmental stance to his work. He offers therapy via multiple online formats and works with English-speaking clients based in North Carolina.

Practical approaches for online change

James integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, stress, and addiction-related challenges. He also uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where a person’s own goals guide the work, and Mindfulness Therapy to build present-moment awareness and stress regulation skills.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, adapting methods as progress unfolds so the therapeutic plan fits each person’s situation and momentum.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexible access across different routines and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care when schedules or mobility are a concern, and they allow practical therapeutic work to proceed without geographic constraints for clients in North Carolina. Licensed professionals guide each step so treatment stays focused on clear goals and usable skills.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

He supports people coping with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and coaching for life transitions. Additional areas include relationship and communication problems, chronic pain, eating issues, and first responder concerns.

How would you describe the therapeutic approach and style?

The work is collaborative and goal-oriented, combining practical skill-building with empathic listening. Techniques often focus on changing unhelpful thought patterns while honoring each person’s experience.

What is his professional background and experience length?

He has five years of clinical experience working with a variety of behavioral health and life transition issues. That experience informs a pragmatic yet person-centered approach.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

He holds LCSW and LISW-CP credentials with license details NC LCSW C019216 and SC LISW-CP 18468, and practices in North Carolina.

Which languages are available and can international clients join?

Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are offered for online work?

He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are needed to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuseCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shame ImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomania

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

North Carolina, South Carolina

Languages

English