My name is James (he/they) and I am a graduate student intern from Adler University pursuing training in both art therapy and counseling. I believe that healing happens through creativity, connection, and compassion and I strive to meet clients where they are and free of judgement. I welcome individuals from all walks of life who are seeking support through life’s challenges.
Creating a warm, accepting, and nonjudgmental space is central to my work. It is important to me that clients feel safe to show up as their full, authentic selves and feel seen, heard, and respected throughout the therapeutic process. As a trans person in the mental health world, representation, visibility, and affirmation are deeply meaningful to me. I am committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, where identities are honored and lived experiences are validated and heard.
I work with clients of all ages and have a particular interest in supporting individuals navigating mood disorders, thought disorders, substance use concerns, major life transitions, grief, self-esteem, trauma, and stress. As both a counselor-in-training and an art therapist-in-training, I integrate traditional talk therapy with creative and expressive approaches, offering multiple pathways to explore emotions, experiences, and meaning beyond words alone. My therapeutic approach is grounded in humanistic and Gestalt perspectives with an emphasis on holistic, client-centered care that focuses on the whole person. I draw from interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy to tailor each session to meet each client’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. I view therapy as a collaborative process and am honored to walk alongside clients as they work toward growth, self-understanding, and healing.