- Direct and practical
- Values focused
- Skill building
About Michael
Michael James is a licensed counselor who brings 24 years of clinical experience to sessions. He emphasizes a respectful, collaborative relationship where clients set goals and work at their own pace. His style is straightforward and practical, aimed at helping people reduce stress and manage day-to-day struggles.
He draws mainly from cognitive-behavioral ideas while also using client-centered and existential influences. That means sessions often focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors, while also attending to values and meaning. Michael helps people build concrete skills for anxiety, depression, addictions, and relationship struggles including codependency concerns.
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. Michael listens closely, helps clarify what matters most, and offers simple strategies clients can try between meetings. He also pays attention to patterns from family of origin, attachment, and communication that affect current relationships and choices.
Over two decades of practice have included work on parenting stress, grief, anger, sleep and eating issues, ADHD, and career concerns. He uses motivational interviewing techniques when people are weighing change, and mindfulness tools to reduce reactivity and improve focus.
People who meet with Michael can expect a blend of practical problem-solving and space to consider deeper questions about direction and values. He encourages steady progress and adjusts pace based on each person’s needs and comfort level.
How his approaches shape online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and partnership. It helps people feel heard and decide what changes matter most, which can be useful for relationship or self-esteem concerns.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions often include clear steps to test new behaviors and reduce anxiety or depressive patterns.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Michael will work with each person to pick methods that match their goals and preferences, and he adjusts the plan as progress is made.
Confirm the specific online session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Many people find online sessions helpful because they make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. If someone prefers hands-on practice, CBT tools and mindfulness exercises translate well to remote meetings and homework between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Credentials
Missouri, Kansas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michael work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and related issues like codependency and relationship problems.
What is his general therapy style?
His approach is collaborative and client-centered, blending practical skill work with attention to personal values and meaning.
How many years has he practiced?
Michael has 24 years of clinical experience working across a range of concerns and settings.
What credentials does he hold and where is he based?
He holds LCPC and LPC credentials and practices in Missouri.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.