PuttingFamilyFirst

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JA Portrait of James Alves
Online therapist

James Alves

Calm practical help for everyday challenges

Credentials
LMHC
Experience
9 years
Licensed in
Florida
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About James

James Alves is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who uses straightforward conversation and practical tools to help people facing life challenges. He keeps language simple and often brings a bit of lightness to sessions so parents and busy adults can talk without jargon. James focuses on clear, doable steps rather than complicated theory.

His background includes nine years of counseling practice and a long career before that in another profession.

Background and approach

Before becoming a therapist, James spent 32 years working as a independent practice lawyer. That prior career shapes how he listens and helps clients sort problems into manageable pieces. He draws on those life experiences when helping people weigh options, make decisions, and cope with change.

James often addresses stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and anger. He also works with issues such as addictions, bipolar concerns, and trauma and abuse. Career questions, self-esteem struggles, and parenting worries are part of his focus areas as well.

His methods include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused work. He explains approaches plainly and tailors them to what each person needs in the moment. Sessions are offered in English and take place online using video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

James practices as an LMHC in Florida and brings a practical, compassionate style to the work.

Therapy approaches and online sessions that fit family life

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It focuses on values and small actions that move a person toward a life they care about, which can help with stress, anxiety, and coping with change.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical ways to identify unhelpful thinking and change patterns that lead to distress. It is useful for anxiety, depression, anger, and improving day-to-day coping skills.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. James treats choosing methods as a team effort - he listens to goals, tries strategies, and adjusts based on what works. That collaborative process helps tailor sessions to each person's needs and priorities.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy schedules. Video calls let people connect face to face from home, while phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide options for shorter check-ins or times when speaking live is difficult. These formats make it easier to fit consistent support into family life and other responsibilities.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Existential Therapy

Takes the larger questions seriously: meaning, choice, mortality, responsibility. Suited to periods when the difficulty is less a symptom than a sense that something has to change.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, addictions, bipolar concerns, trauma and abuse, and related life issues like career and self-esteem.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses plain language and a practical, down-to-earth tone. Sessions focus on clear steps, coping skills, and real-life application rather than technical jargon.
What experience does he bring to sessions?
He has nine years of counseling experience and previously worked 32 years as a independent practice lawyer, which informs his problem-solving approach.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is a licensed mental health counselor, LMHC, practicing in Florida with license number FL LMHC MH16516.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
In what formats can sessions be held?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and preferences.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling based on the therapist's availability.

Next step

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