PuttingFamilyFirst

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JR Portrait of Dr. James Ruby
Online therapist

Dr. James Ruby

Compassionate counseling with practical steps

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Credentials
LMHC
Experience
22 years
Licensed in
Hawaii, Iowa
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About James

Dr. James Ruby uses an approach that blends acceptance and commitment with client-centered listening. He focuses on relationships and family life while helping people manage stress, grief, parenting challenges, and changes in career or identity.

He keeps sessions straightforward and goal oriented so busy families can get practical help without added complexity. Dr. Ruby is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, with more than two decades of experience supporting adults and couples.

Background and approach

He emphasizes that the past matters but does not determine the future. He helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and learn new ways to act that match their values. Sessions may include simple tools, brief exercises, or small assignments to try between meetings.

These steps are meant to build confidence and momentum. Dr. Ruby invites discussion of life’s different parts - feelings, thoughts, body, and meaning - rather than focusing on only one aspect.

He draws on psychodynamic ideas to consider patterns from the past and on motivational techniques to support change. His style is warm and nonjudgmental while keeping attention on clear goals that matter to the client or couple. He also works with issues such as addiction, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns, self-esteem, and LGBT related matters.

Additional focuses include caregiver stress, communication problems, divorce or separation, fatherhood issues, and end-of-life or hospice counseling. He aims to help people move from feeling stuck to taking steps they choose. Located in Hawaii, Dr.

Ruby provides therapy in English and works with international clients. He brings 22 years of clinical experience and a practical, person-centered way of working.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that fit their values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, relationship strain, and life changes. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a trusting relationship so clients can find their own solutions and feel understood.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to decide which methods match their goals and preferences. Sessions can mix approaches over time as needs change, and the plan is adjusted together based on what works.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to keep regular appointments, follow through on short homework, and connect from different time zones since he accepts international clients. The variety of formats supports flexible ways to discuss family concerns, grief, stress, and practical problem solving with a licensed professional.

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.

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.

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 relationship and family issues, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, parenting concerns, and many related matters listed in his specialties.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He blends acceptance and commitment work with client-centered listening and psychodynamic ideas, using practical exercises and short between-session tasks when helpful.
How long has he practiced therapy?
He has practiced for 22 years, offering experience with individuals, couples, and family-related concerns.
Where is he based and what are his credentials?
He is located in Hawaii and holds the LMHC credential with licence numbers IA LMHC 122890 and HI LMHC MHC-367.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and he is available to work with international clients.
What session formats are offered?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

  • Relationship issues
  • Family conflicts
  • Grief

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
22 years
Licensed
Hawaii, Iowa
Languages
English

Next step

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