My full name is James Phillip Harmon but I generally use my middle name, Phillip or Phil; however, I am not too fussy about this. I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and have worked in both in-patient and outpatient settings as a Licensed Professional Counselor for just over 30 years. These settings have allowed me to work with people who are experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse and addiction issues, pretty much general practice.
My initial education was in Adlerian Psychology. Alfred Adler was a social psychiatrist who taught that all human behavior has a purpose that makes sense to the individual. He taught that we develop a personal understanding and beliefs about life that we use in our efforts to address the challenges of finding where we belong in society, finding how we can best contribute to society and in establishing and maintaining relationships. Adlerians believe that we all have what are called "mistaken beliefs" things that are true because we believe them but are only true to us, not in the more general context of society as a whole. A more contemporary approach that in my opinion builds upon some of what Adler taught is Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This approach sees the individual as being the expert on and about themselves. Again, we have mistaken beliefs that are our truths and the issue becomes adjusting these beliefs, if we choose to do so, to help us respond in a more effective manner to the challenges life presents. Therapy is something that happens between two equal partners, not a technique that is imposed. I believe that you have the ability, the strength and the courage to identify and make needful changes that can help you have a more satisfying life. I can take some effort and work but it is worth it. A large part of the therapist's job is to ask questions, make comments and suggestions, maybe challenge a bit to help the client find their answers.
Additional areas of focus: Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Social anxiety and phobia
VA LPC 0701001987
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for James Harmon. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Very impressed with Mr. Harper from the beginning of our working together.
Written on Mar 14, 2024 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
When I came to Better Help, I needed someone to help "me" understand "me". I had tried other therapists before and kinda got what I needed from them... but it was never exactly right. He's been the right therapist for me.. and one of the best ones I have had over the last 10 years.
Written on Feb 26, 2024 after therapy with James for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coaching