- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- CBT and mindfulness
About Michael
Michael James is an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) and an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) practicing in Missouri with 24 years of experience. He works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, parenting, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, and career or life transitions. He also supports people dealing with grief, eating and sleeping problems, anger, ADHD, and LGBT-related concerns.
Michael describes himself as a generalist who has worked with a wide range of people and settings over his career. He places importance on the relationship between therapist and client as the main tool for progress. Early sessions focus on building that working relationship so deeper work can follow.
His approach draws heavily from cognitive behavioral ideas while also using client-centered, existential, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing methods. That mix means sessions often involve looking at thoughts and behaviors, practicing new skills, and checking what matters most to the client. Sessions are practical and focused on what helps in day-to-day life.
For young adults, Michael can help with pressures like leaving home, first jobs, study stress, relationship struggles, and feeling behind peers. He helps people talk through difficult decisions, manage anxiety, and build habits that support clearer thinking and steadier moods.
People new to therapy can expect straightforward conversation, goal-setting, and concrete strategies to try between sessions. He emphasizes collaboration and adapts methods to the person in front of him rather than following a fixed formula.
How Michael uses therapy approaches online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on open listening and understanding the client's perspective. It helps people clarify what matters to them and feel heard before moving into problem solving.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior. It gives concrete tools to change unhelpful thoughts and habits, which can ease anxiety, depression, or sleep and eating difficulties.
Existential Therapy invites discussion about meaning, choice, and responsibility when life feels uncertain. It can help people facing major transitions, identity questions, or feelings of emptiness.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels useful, then adapt methods in a collaborative way rather than sticking to one fixed model.
Confirm which session formats are available before booking since the profile does not detail them. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Therapists who offer video or phone options often use mindfulness exercises, thought records, and homework sheets that you can use between meetings to practice new skills.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
Missouri, Kansas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with for people in their 20s?
He helps with stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, career and school pressures, and life transitions common in early adulthood.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a mix of client-centered conversation, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to create practical steps and clearer thinking.
How much experience does he have?
He has 24 years of clinical experience working with a broad range of concerns and client situations.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds LCPC and LPC credentials and practices in Missouri.
Does he work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking since the biography does not specify formats.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and services. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the 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.