PuttingFamilyFirst

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JG Portrait of James Gilligan
Online therapist

James Gilligan

Calm practical guidance for life and parenting

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
Florida
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About James

James Gilligan is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief, and parenting challenges. He brings two decades of experience to conversations about mood, relationships, sleep, eating, and coping with big life changes. James uses straightforward language and practical steps so parents can use what they learn right away.

He earned his Master’s degree in social work from Florida International University and has been licensed in Florida since 2000 as an LCSW.

Background and approach

Early in his career he provided individual, group, and family therapy in Miami-Dade schools. That work shaped his practical approach to helping people in everyday settings. James has worked with people who have serious mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and major depression.

From 2007 he also worked with active duty military, addressing anxiety, PTSD, marital concerns, domestic violence, and related trauma that follows from dysfunctional family systems. Clinical tools James commonly uses include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and client-centered methods. He also draws on attachment-based ideas and Gottman training for relationship conversations.

Sessions focus on clear goals, skill building, and steps clients can try between meetings. James aims to help people make the changes they want while keeping conversations direct and practical.

Approaches and online care that fit your life

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships. It looks at how early attachments shape current trust and emotional responses, and it can help people who struggle with abandonment, attachment issues, or communication problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a skills-oriented approach that helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, and anger. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, helps people process traumatic memories by using guided attention and memory work to reduce the intensity of distressing memories.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide whether to focus on skill teaching, relationship patterns, trauma processing, or a mix of methods based on the client's needs.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people have face-to-face conversations from home. Phone sessions work when video is not possible. Live chat and text-based messaging provide brief check-ins and ongoing support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy family schedule while still working through meaningful concerns.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, relationships, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting, anger, career issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a straightforward, practical approach focused on clear goals and skill building. Conversations are direct and meant to produce tools clients can use between sessions.
What is his professional background?
He has 20 years of experience, including work in Miami-Dade schools and with active duty military since 2007. He has experience with severe mental illness and with people facing family trauma and addiction.
What credentials and location are on file?
He holds a Master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Florida, license number FL LCSW SW6196.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does he offer?
Sessions can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled?
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?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
20 years
Licensed
Florida
Languages
English

Next step

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