- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction coping
- Attachment work
About James
Dr. James Wood is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 34 years of clinical experience. He helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and offers coaching for life transitions. He practices in English and works with adults seeking more stability in their daily lives.
Dr. Wood often begins by listening to the specific situations that cause worry or avoidance. He focuses on clear, practical steps people can try between sessions. Conversations cover thoughts, behaviors, and relationships, with attention to patterns that keep problems going. Sessions move at a steady, straightforward pace so people can try new skills without feeling overwhelmed.
His background includes long clinical experience and training in several well-known therapeutic approaches. He draws from cognitive behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thinking and from acceptance and commitment ideas to help clarify values and action. Attachment-based work is used to look at relational patterns rooted in earlier relationships. Dialectical behavior therapy skills may be introduced to manage strong emotions when needed.
Many people come with issues tied to family of origin, adoption or foster care history, codependency, or communication struggles. Others bring concerns about abandonment, isolation, or substance use. Dr. Wood also addresses effects of loss, divorce, and trauma and helps people build everyday coping strategies.
He has written a memoir, Different Drummer, which reflects on life, recovery, and a later career as a psychotherapist. Before scheduling, confirm session formats and any administrative details through the booking flow.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking small, value-driven steps. Online sessions can use ACT exercises to notice thoughts and plan practical actions between meetings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and test unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors through short experiments. In virtual meetings, CBT worksheets and behavioral experiments can be reviewed together and adjusted for everyday life.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Dr. Wood will help figure out which methods fit a person's goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process that adjusts over time based on what helps most.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. Therapists often use online meetings to review exercises, practice skills, and plan steps to try between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
34+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coaching for life changes.
What style of therapy does he use?
He uses practical methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, attachment-based work, and some DBT skills.
How much experience does he have?
He has 34 years of professional work experience as a clinician.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA LMFT) based in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.