PuttingFamilyFirst

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JC Portrait of James Cole
Online therapist

James Cole

Compassionate clinical social work with a practical focus

Credentials
LCSW, LICSW
Experience
11 years
Licensed in
North Dakota, Minnesota
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About James

James Cole is a licensed social worker with more than a decade of clinical experience. He practices under the credentials LCSW and LICSW and is based in North Dakota. He offers part-time independent practice work and brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to sessions.

Parents and caregivers who are worried about stress, parenting concerns, or family tensions may find his straightforward style helpful. He frames therapy as a tailored process rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

Background and approach

Sessions focus on understanding what a person or household needs, then trying strategies that fit those goals. He emphasizes clear communication and respectful listening during conversations. He aims to help people identify workable steps they can use between meetings.

Clinically, James notes an eclectic orientation and uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques chosen to match each situation. He mentions cultural awareness as part of his practice and says he will adjust approaches to be appropriate for different backgrounds. He also lists coaching alongside clinical concerns, indicating a blend of therapeutic and practical problem-solving methods.

His stated areas of focus include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, parenting, grief, trauma and abuse, LGBT concerns, intimacy, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar conditions, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes. He holds a Master’s in Social Work and is a doctoral candidate in advanced clinical social work.

Sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. International clients are not currently accepted.

Approaches that translate well to online care

James uses an eclectic mix of evidence-based techniques and will match methods to what a person needs. One common approach he uses is skills-based work that teaches practical coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and mood challenges; this involves learning concrete tools to try between sessions. Another is problem-focused coaching that looks at immediate life and career issues and helps set small goals and steps to move forward. These approaches aim to make therapy feel useful and action-oriented rather than abstract.

Finding the right method is a collaborative process. He works with each person to decide which techniques fit their goals and their comfort level. Over time the plan can shift if something isn’t helping or if priorities change.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make scheduling easier for busy families. These options let people meet from home, keep appointments on more flexible timelines, and use brief check-ins when that works best. The variety of formats supports different communication styles and day-to-day needs while keeping the focus on practical progress.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he address?
James lists many common concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family matters, parenting, grief, trauma and abuse, LGBT issues, intimacy, anger, self-esteem, career matters, bipolar, coaching, and compassion fatigue.
What is his general therapy style?
He describes an eclectic approach and adapts techniques to match each person’s needs, focusing on practical steps and clear communication rather than a single fixed method.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 11 years of experience working in mental health settings and holds advanced training including a Master’s in Social Work and doctoral study in advanced clinical social work.
Where is he licensed to practice?
He holds LCSW and LICSW credentials and practices from North Dakota; his listed license numbers are ND LCSW 5244 and MN LICSW 32045.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as session formats.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary 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, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

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Experience
11 years
Licensed
North Dakota, Minnesota
Languages
English

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