Experience (background and professional journey)

In terms of experience, I bring to our sessions over 50 years of living life in all its richness—its ups and downs, its triumphs and setbacks. For the first part of my career, I was an entrepreneur, starting and managing a couple of companies. Eventually, I fell flat on my face, and that humbling season forced me to re-group. Counseling and therapy as a client became a way for me to re-craft my life and begin a new chapter. And it really helped!

From there, I launched into a corporate career where I created new products, developed business strategies, consulted for organizations, and even did advocacy work in Washington, D.C. Along the way, I learned firsthand how resilience, reinvention, and persistence are built. Today, I can draw on these wide-ranging experiences to help you along your own path. My professional training as a therapist provides me with the roadmap and structure, while my lived experience allows me to meet you where you are with empathy and perspective.

When I reached my 50s, I felt burned out from chasing money and business success. What grew in its place was a deeper passion to serve others. Becoming a therapist gave me a renewed sense of purpose and meaning, along with a profound humility. It is a true honor to be invited in as a witness to your story—your struggles, your growth, and your unique life journey.

My education reflects the same variety as my career. I earned a Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University many years ago, followed by an MBA from Harvard—a challenging and rewarding experience—and later a Master’s degree in Counseling. Today, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #53141) in the state of California.


Time with APA (how long you’ve been part of the team)

I have been working with APA since 2019 as a full time Therapist and over the past few years as a partly retired part time Therapist working remotely



Personal note (2–3 lines about yourself outside of work)

Hi, my name is James, and I have a passion for working with couples, adults, and older adults who may be navigating challenges in their marriages, careers, retirement, or simply in “finding purpose.” My goal is to help you shape—or re-shape—your life in ways that raise the quality of your day-to-day experience. Since you are reading this, I want you to know that an effective therapist is not only defined by professional training, but also by life experiences, expertise, patience, compassion, and an open mind. Therapy is a partnership, and together we will work toward clear, realistic, and meaningful goals that give you direction and confidence. I believe that growth often begins with the willingness to take the first step, and one of my favorite sayings reflects that truth “Whatever you believe that you can do; begin it!” – Goethe

If you are ready to begin, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.



Certificates & licenses (list of credentials)

CA License 53141 LMFT


Specialization (your focus areas in psychiatrymental health)

Anxiety
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you untangle anxious thoughts, calm physical symptoms, and find healthier ways to respond to stress. Together, we’ll build practical tools so you can feel more grounded, confident, and at ease in your daily life.

Depression
Depression can make even the simplest parts of life feel heavy and overwhelming, leaving you feeling stuck or alone. In therapy, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can begin to share your struggles and feel truly understood. Together, we’ll work gently and steadily to identify what’s weighing you down, develop strategies to lift the fog, and rediscover hope and motivation. Healing is possible—you don’t have to face this journey on your own.

Couples
Relationships can feel stuck in cycles of conflict, distance, or misunderstanding—but they don’t have to stay that way. As a couples therapist, I provide a safe and supportive space where both partners can be heard, understood, and respected. Using proven approaches, I help couples identify patterns that block connection, improve communication, and rebuild trust. Whether you are facing ongoing conflict, healing from past hurts, or simply wanting to feel closer, therapy can give you the tools to strengthen your relationship and grow together with greater compassion and clarity.