James Gilligan, LCSW
Experienced LCSW specializing in trauma and military families
- Trauma and PTSD
- Addictions and eating disorders
- Couples and family work
About James Gilligan
James Gilligan earned a Master of Social Work from Florida International University in 1998 and became licensed in Florida in 2000. He holds an LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker and indicates advanced training in clinical social work and mental health treatment.
He began his career working in the Miami-Dade County school system, providing individual, group, and family therapy for children and adolescents. Early clinical work also included supporting people with severe mental illness, including those living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder.
Since 2007 he has worked with active duty military members, focusing on marital concerns, individual therapy for anxiety and depression, PTSD, and cases involving domestic violence. He brings experience helping people who come from dysfunctional family systems and who carry that trauma into adult relationships and parenting. His clinical work also addresses addictions, eating disorders, and marital counseling, and he has training in Gottman Marriage Counseling.
Clinically, he draws from a range of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and motivational interviewing. He emphasizes practical skill-building and collaborative planning to help clients make meaningful changes in their lives across areas such as stress, grief, self-esteem, intimacy, parenting, career transitions, and coping with life changes.
He began his career working in the Miami-Dade County school system, providing individual, group, and family therapy for children and adolescents. Early clinical work also included supporting people with severe mental illness, including those living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder.
Since 2007 he has worked with active duty military members, focusing on marital concerns, individual therapy for anxiety and depression, PTSD, and cases involving domestic violence. He brings experience helping people who come from dysfunctional family systems and who carry that trauma into adult relationships and parenting. His clinical work also addresses addictions, eating disorders, and marital counseling, and he has training in Gottman Marriage Counseling.
Clinically, he draws from a range of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and motivational interviewing. He emphasizes practical skill-building and collaborative planning to help clients make meaningful changes in their lives across areas such as stress, grief, self-esteem, intimacy, parenting, career transitions, and coping with life changes.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsVeteran and Armed Forces Issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does James Gilligan have?
James Gilligan has 20 years of experience.
Is James Gilligan a licensed therapist?
Yes, he holds these credentials: LCSW. License details: FL LCSW SW6196.
In which languages does James Gilligan provide therapy?
James Gilligan provides therapy in English.
Where is James Gilligan located?
James Gilligan is located in Florida.
How can I work with James Gilligan as my therapist?
You can work with James Gilligan through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does James Gilligan work with international clients?
James Gilligan does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with James Gilligan cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support
James Gilligan integrates Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and EMDR into his online practice to address a range of concerns. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people develop more secure, satisfying connections - useful for issues like abandonment, codependency, and relationship struggles. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through structured strategies and practical exercises - it often helps with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and coping with life changes. EMDR is a trauma-focused approach that supports processing distressing memories and symptoms related to past traumatic events, making it a common choice for people with PTSD or complex trauma.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Treatment plans are flexible and may combine techniques so progress is tailored to each person.
Online therapy with James is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to enhance access and convenience. These options allow clients to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable while working with licensed professionals and therapists.