James Wankel, LCSW, LISW-CP

James Wankel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in North Carolina. He helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and life transitions. His approach is straightforward and focused on practical steps that fit daily life. He draws on client-centered methods to listen first and understand each person’s story. Then he uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to spot unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are added when they suit a person's goals. James has five years of clinical experience and holds the LCSW credential and an LISW-CP in South Carolina. He works with concerns such as communication problems, body image, eating issues, chronic pain and illness, dissociation, and substance use. He also supports people dealing with abandonment, commitment struggles, and the stresses of caregiving and fatherhood. In sessions he focuses on clear goals and simple strategies you can try between meetings. That might mean practicing new communication habits, building routines to manage attention, or breaking recovery tasks into manageable steps. He pays attention to identity and social context when those things matter to therapy. People looking for help with trauma, addiction recovery, ADHD, or ongoing anxiety can expect a direct, compassionate style. The work is collaborative - he helps you weigh options and pick methods that match your life and values.

How therapeutic approaches guide online sessions

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and building trust. The therapist follows your lead, reflects what matters to you, and helps clarify goals so sessions stay relevant to real life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers practical exercises to test unhelpful beliefs and try new behaviors, which can help with anxiety, stress, and some addiction issues. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention practices to reduce reactivity and improve focus. It can be useful for managing stress, chronic pain, and symptoms of ADHD by building steadier daily habits. Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That decision can change over time as new challenges or priorities emerge. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life. Check which session formats are available before booking to know what will work for your routine. Many people appreciate the ability to schedule therapy without extra travel, use shorter check-ins when needed, or choose an option that reduces technical demands. Confirm the therapist’s current session options to plan how therapy will fit your schedule and needs.