Therapist profile
Dr. James Kowalski, LCMHC, LMHC
West Virginia
Dr. James Kowalski - LCMHC LMHC, stress and addictions
Continue with JamesWhere James stands
- Credentials
- LCMHC, LMHC
- License
- LPC, Georgia / LPC003377; LCMHC, North Carolina / 4433; LMHC, Florida / MH3319; LPC, West Virginia / 2066
- NPI
- 1386721355
- Experience
- 30 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- West Virginia
About
- Codependency concerns
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
About James
Dr. James Kowalski is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 30 years of experience. He practices in West Virginia and works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, anger, depression, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, eating concerns, self-esteem struggles, bipolar symptoms, and compassion fatigue.
He also supports people dealing with aging and geriatric issues, cancer, caregiver stress, codependency, communication and control problems, divorce and separation, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol addiction. He has experience with end-of-life and hospice concerns, isolation, guilt and shame, and questions about life purpose.
James draws on cognitive behavioral techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, mindfulness exercises, and motivational interviewing. Sessions typically involve clear, practical conversations, skill practice, and collaborative goal-setting. He adapts the pace to a person’s concerns and life demands.
He has a long history working with substance-related problems and has held certifications in addiction counseling and anger management. That background informs his approach with people navigating substance use, relapse worries, or the effects of living around someone else's drinking or crises.
People can expect straightforward talk about patterns, coping skills to use day to day, and steps for setting or reinforcing boundaries. To begin, readers should use the site’s matching and scheduling tools to see online therapy options and book an initial session.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Dr. Kowalski uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in straightforward ways. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, or compulsive behaviors. ACT works on clarifying values and taking small actions that align with those values, which can help with codependency patterns and caregiver stress.He also uses client-centered listening and motivational interviewing to help people clarify their reasons for change. Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to choose techniques that match their goals and day-to-day realities rather than prescribing one fixed method.
Confirm the current session options before booking since this profile does not list particular formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They can also let someone use video when they prefer face-to-face connection or choose phone when bandwidth or a quieter setting is required. The therapist will discuss which arrangement fits a person’s schedule and therapy goals during the first meeting.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, West Virginia
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, anger, depression, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, eating issues, self-esteem, bipolar concerns, and compassion fatigue.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His style combines client-centered conversation with cognitive behavioral tools, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to teach practical skills and set goals.
How much experience does he have?
He has 30 years of experience in the helping professions and a long history working with substance-related challenges.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He holds North Carolina LCMHC and Florida LMHC credentials and practices in West Virginia.
What languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.