Dr. James Wood

Seasoned therapist blending practical skills and compassion

LMFT California

Experience: 34 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About James

Dr. James Wood brings 34 years of clinical experience to his California practice, supporting people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and those seeking coaching.

Background and approach

He emphasizes creating a nonjudgmental space where clients can explore difficult feelings and challenging life events. Dr.

Wood approaches therapy as a collaborative process, helping clients identify realistic goals and practical steps toward greater emotional balance and resilience. He draws on several evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

This range allows him to tailor interventions to a client's particular concerns, whether addressing patterns tied to family of origin, coping after loss or separation, substance-related issues, or experiences of isolation and shame. Dr.

Wood’s style stresses empowerment, skill-building, and thoughtful reflection as clients move toward more fulfilling ways of living.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Dr. Wood commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in his work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical strategies to change behaviors and emotional reactions, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. ACT emphasizes values-based action and mindfulness skills to help people accept difficult emotions while committing to meaningful life changes, a useful complement for those facing grief, addiction recovery, or chronic worry.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. He will work with clients to explore which methods feel most relevant to their goals and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps shape a treatment plan that balances skill training, emotional processing, and real-world behavior change.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to choose formats that fit their schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care while balancing work, family, and other commitments, and they allow therapists to deliver interventions, coaching, and skills practice in ways that suit each person's life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can be addressed in sessions?

Dr. Wood works with issues such as stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and life coaching. He also addresses related areas like attachment problems, communication issues, guilt and shame, and family of origin concerns.

What is his therapeutic style and approach?

He uses a collaborative, client-centered stance and integrates methods like CBT, ACT, Attachment-Based Therapy, and DBT to match interventions to each person's needs. The focus is on practical skills, emotional processing, and building resilience.

How long has he been practicing?

He has 34 years of professional experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.

What credentials and location apply to his practice?

He is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the designation CA LMFT 28825 and practices in California.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

In what session formats can people connect with him?

Clients may meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what fits their needs and schedule.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided via a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse DepressionCoaching

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 OCD Panic 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