James Johansen, LCSW
California LCSW for relationships and grief
- LGBTQ+ relationship support
- Anger and intimacy issues
- 10 years experience
About James Johansen
James Johansen is a California-based LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with ten years of professional experience supporting people through relationships, grief, intimacy concerns, and anger-related challenges. He works with clients across a wide range of concerns, including LGBTQ+ issues, relationship and commitment questions, polyamory and non-monogamous dynamics, BDSM and kink, substance use challenges, and family or communication difficulties. His practice also addresses isolation and loneliness, midlife and life-purpose concerns, jealousy and control issues, and the unique stresses faced by veterans and people dealing with prejudice or discrimination.
James approaches therapy from the belief that each person is the expert on their own story and brings strengths that can be used to meet life’s challenges. He blends evidence-informed methods with a respectful, nonjudgmental stance to help clients explore values, repair patterns in relationships, and develop practical skills for managing difficult emotions. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life often requires courage, and James aims to offer steady professional support through that process. He frames progress as a collaborative effort, inviting clients to set goals and shape the work according to their priorities and lived experience.
James approaches therapy from the belief that each person is the expert on their own story and brings strengths that can be used to meet life’s challenges. He blends evidence-informed methods with a respectful, nonjudgmental stance to help clients explore values, repair patterns in relationships, and develop practical skills for managing difficult emotions. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life often requires courage, and James aims to offer steady professional support through that process. He frames progress as a collaborative effort, inviting clients to set goals and shape the work according to their priorities and lived experience.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexuality
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does James Johansen have?
James Johansen has 10 years of professional experience.
Is James Johansen a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. His license details are CA LCSW 97882.
In which languages does James Johansen provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is James Johansen located?
He is located in California.
How can I work with James Johansen as my therapist?
You can work with James Johansen through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does James Johansen work with international clients?
James Johansen does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with James Johansen 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, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. 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 and online care for relationship and emotional concerns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and learn ways to act in line with their values even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It can support work on relationship clarity, life purpose, and coping with loss. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns formed in early relationships and how those patterns show up in adult intimacy and communication; it is useful for addressing trust, jealousy, commitment issues, and repair after conflict. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical skills to shift those patterns, which can help with anger management, anxiety around relationships, and behavioral changes related to substance use.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Licensed professionals and therapists often blend methods to fit a person’s needs, and James collaborates with each client to determine which strategies align with their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. That collaborative process helps tailor the work to what a client finds most meaningful.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to access support from home or between responsibilities. These options can increase consistency in care and let people choose the format that best fits their schedule and comfort while working toward clearer relationships and better emotional balance.