Joshua James, MA, FT is a retired Marine Corps veteran, therapist, and Field Traumatologist. He specializes in evaluating and treating health deficiencies using the eight Dimensions of Wellness. Many health-related problems stem from simple things like poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, lack of exercise, and social and environmental disconnection. Rather than jumping to pills and potions, Josh prefers to help people develop “brilliance in the basics.” When basic needs are met consistently, people typically experience improvements in sleep, mood, energy, mental clarity, attitude, and social connection. These improvements can generate additional benefits, allowing one to experience oneself and the world around them more positively.
Josh primarily operates from a Person-Centered approach, believing that we know ourselves better than anyone else. Therefore, we are most qualified to bring about the change we seek (self-actualization). Josh believes that every person is unique and that their views about the world, and their ability to manage it, should be trusted and understood. Josh focuses on helping people understand themselves better, make meaning of their lives and circumstances, and find solutions to their problems. He uses collaborative and integrative approaches while working with each client to identify root problems, recurring issues, construct healthy and attainable goals, and implement realistic solutions that lead to liberating transformation.
Fundamental to this process is the use of techniques from Reality Therapy, which Josh uses to focus on present issues and current behavior. Less time is spent delving into the past; however, the option to explore the past is always available. Since reality therapy is solution-focused, time is spent examining how our behavior interferes with our ability to experience joy in the here and now. When we know what the problem(s) is/are, we can figure out what kind of changes we need to make to get what we want out of life.
Josh sees himself as a facilitator and co-explorer, listening without judgment and acknowledging experiences without interrupting or interfering with the process of self-discovery. The journey of self-discovery helps us uncover what is hurting or broken and what is needed to repair it. In addition to examining each of the eight Dimensions of Wellness, Josh also believes that it is important to understand what we believe about life and its meaning. In other words, we consider the question, “Why does any of this matter?” To do this, Josh uses his experience as a chaplain and counselor, along with techniques from Existential Therapy, to help explore things like relationships, love, intimacy, commitment, courage, creativity, power, will, agency, presence, spirituality, individuation, self-actualization, authenticity, acceptance, transcendence, and integration.
Knowing what we believe about life, ourselves, and our purpose can increase self-awareness and self-understanding, which can alleviate a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, apathy, isolation, avoidance, shame, addiction, despair, depression, guilt, anger, resentment, embitterment, and purposelessness.
Josh holds a Master’s degree in Counseling & Communications, a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Religion, and certifications in Traumatology and Marriage Counseling. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Integrative Health Science.
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