James Johansen, LCSW

James Johansen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with ten years of clinical experience. He focuses on relationship concerns, LGBTQ issues, grief and loss, intimacy-related challenges, and anger management, drawing on a broad background supporting people through difficult transitions and interpersonal struggles.

James approaches therapy from a strengths-based, collaborative perspective, holding the belief that each person is the expert of their own story. He combines empathy with active skill-building to help individuals identify values, improve communication, and address patterns that interfere with wellbeing. His work often explores themes such as commitment difficulties, jealousy, control issues, isolation and loneliness, and questions about life purpose.

James has additional clinical experience with BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, polyamory and non-monogamous relationships, veteran and armed forces concerns, substance use issues, and challenges related to prejudice and discrimination. He integrates a range of therapeutic models to tailor care, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT, psychodynamic and existential approaches, Internal Family Systems, trauma-focused methods, and systemic and attachment-based work.

As a licensed practitioner, James aims to create a respectful space where clients can explore difficult emotions, refine their coping skills, and pursue more meaningful connections. He is currently not accepting new clients.