- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions and recovery
- Attachment work
About James
Dr. James Wood is a California licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 34 years of clinical experience. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coaching concerns. He also helps people facing issues linked to abandonment, adoption and foster care, attachment, codependency, and family of origin struggles.
He uses clear, grounded conversation to sort what is happening now and what feels most urgent. Sessions focus on practical steps and learning to notice patterns that keep problems repeating. He draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and attachment-focused work to guide that process.
Dr. Wood pays attention to relationship dynamics and how past attachments shape present behavior. He talks through communication problems, control issues, and the fallout from divorce or separation. He also addresses substance misuse, eating and food-related concerns, and feelings of isolation or shame.
Clients who need help with crisis-related stress, coping after disaster, or living with HIV/AIDS will find a therapist who has worked with those topics. He integrates emotion-focused techniques and DBT skills when regulation and intense feelings are central to the work. The focus is on manageable steps rather than long lectures.
He is English-speaking and practices in California. He asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling a first session. He also mentions an upcoming memoir titled Different Drummer that reflects parts of his life and professional path.
How his therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and values, then taking actions that match what matters most. It can help with anxiety, feeling stuck, and choosing next steps despite uncertainty. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches concrete skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and problems with substance use. Attachment-Based Therapy examines how early relationships shape current trust, closeness, and communication, which can be useful for codependency, abandonment reactions, and relationship struggles.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. That collaborative process can combine techniques from ACT, CBT, and attachment-focused work to fit the issues presented.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into a busy schedule or allow shorter check-ins between obligations. Others appreciate not needing to travel to an office for a focused hour. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and attachment-based exercises to remote sessions, using conversation, behavioral experiments, and skill practice that match the client's daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
34+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coaching. He also addresses attachment, codependency, family of origin, and related issues.
How would he describe his therapy style?
He uses clear, conversational sessions that aim for practical change. Methods include ACT, CBT, attachment work, and DBT-informed techniques when needed.
How much experience does he have?
He has 34 years of professional work experience as a clinician.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is an LMFT licensed in California and practices in that state.
Does he work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients.
What session formats does he offer?
The biography does not specify session formats. Confirm current options before booking to know whether video, phone, or in-person sessions are available.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.