James Johansen, LCSW

California · 10 years in practice

James Johansen is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing relationship strain, grief, LGBTQ concerns, intimacy questions, and anger.

License and registration

LCSW, California: 97882 · expires October 2026
NPI: 1669947966 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 10
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About James

James Johansen is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing relationship strain, grief, LGBTQ concerns, intimacy questions, and anger. He works in a straightforward way and treats each person as the expert on their life. Sessions aim to build on strengths and make steady, practical changes.

He draws on ten years of experience in California to guide conversations about connection and purpose. That background includes supporting people navigating non-traditional relationships, issues around sex and kink, and challenges with addiction or control.

Background and approach

James focuses on clear communication, rebuilding trust, and coping strategies that fit daily life. His approach blends systemic thinking with tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-based work. That means looking at patterns between people, understanding emotional needs, and finding values-driven steps forward.

Cognitive behavioral techniques are used when helpful to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. James favors a respectful, client-centered style. He asks practical questions, listens closely, and helps people try small experiments between sessions.

Progress is measured in concrete changes people notice at home and in relationships. People can expect sessions that are direct but warm. James aims to create a space where honest concerns about identity, desire, and belonging can be named.

He supports clients who want clearer boundaries, better communication, or a renewed sense of direction.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything James lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

LGBT
Relationship issues
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Anger management
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Drug and alcohol addiction
Family problems
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Prejudice and discrimination
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexual dysfunction
Sexuality

Approaches James names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How approaches translate to online therapy

Systemic work looks at patterns between people and the roles they play. Online sessions let the therapist and client map those patterns and practice different responses in conversation, which helps with communication and relationship concerns.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on values and small committed actions. In remote sessions this can lead to brief between-session assignments and values-based goals clients can try between calls or messages.

Attachment-based work pays attention to how early connection styles shape current relationships. Talking through these patterns online can clarify emotional needs and guide steps toward safer, more dependable connection.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, and then adjust techniques over time based on what actually helps the client meet their aims.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for deeper conversations and reading nonverbal cues, phone is helpful when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits quick check-ins, and messaging works well for ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and different schedules.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does James address?

He works with relationship strain, LGBTQ issues, grief, intimacy questions, and anger, plus related areas like jealousy, communication, and life purpose.

What is his therapeutic style like?

He uses a client-centered, practical style that combines systemic thinking with ACT, attachment-based ideas, and CBT tools to help people make day-to-day changes.

How much clinical experience does he have?

James has ten years of professional work experience supporting people with relationship, identity, and emotional challenges in California.

What are his credentials and where is he based?

He holds an LCSW credential and is licensed in California.

Which languages are offered for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

International clients are not currently accepted; sessions are offered to people located in his licensed region.

What session formats are available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.

How are fees handled and how do I start?

Costs vary with location and availability and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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