My name is James, and I have been in the field of mental health and recovery for approximately 13 years. I began my career with a degree in Human Development and Sociology. From there, I join the United States Navy where I worked as a Psychiatric Technician, a sort of First Responder for psychiatric issues. I worked at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego and held several positions that allowed me to gain skills in crisis management, safety planning, assessment, addiction, life stress, life changes and planning for next steps such as discharging from the military or retiring.
After that, I attended San Diego State University to obtain my Masters in Social Work. There I honed my clinical skills working with youth and families that had contact with the justice system, homeless veterans with mental health and substance use issues, and developed passion for Motivational Interviewing, which I would say is my primary interest with regards to my therapeutic style. I currently provide therapy on this site full time, and plan to do so for the time being.
My therapy style is dependent on my clients, however I strive to be as warm and empathetic as possible. I feel that everyone deserves to tell their story, their struggles, and their successes without judgement, and everyone deserves to have a say in how they will grow to meet their own challenges. My approach is holistic and takes the entire person into account, including mental health concerns, interpersonal issues, physical and medical challenges, or issues of social or environmental concern. I certainly would never tell anyone that I've heard it all, but I've been fortunate to have enjoyed a range of positions and clients, and feel that I can work with anyone who is willing to share and be heard.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Antisocial Personality, Attachment issues, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Dependent Personality, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Military and Veterans Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-Harm, Sex Addiction, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LCSW 94790
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for James Hensley. 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.
James is incredible! I feel very comfortable sharing the struggles I’m dealing with him because of the safe environment James created. I also appreciate it so much that we created boundaries right from the start. Overall, James is very both professional and empathetic!
Written on May 15, 2021 after therapy with James for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
James is fantastic. I've worked with several therapists over the years and at first James and I were focused on navigating the immediate day to day challenges coming up for me. Now that things have calmed down a bit, we're able to explore big picture long held beliefs, values, etc. James has given me a variety of ways to engage in therapy including video sessions, text messages, and voice messages. He is always responsive, communicative, and thoughtful. During sessions he asks helpful and thoughtful questions that allow me to explore what we're talking about more deeply. He is always transparent, responsive, and receptive to feedback about how the therapy experience can improve for me specifically. I would highly recommend working with James.
Written on Apr 10, 2021 after therapy with James for 3 months on issues concerning depression, lgbt, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem
James Hensley is a phenomenal therapist who has brought me farther along in 3 months then any prior therapist of 20 years. I was beginning to lose all hope when I started with James and my life and my confidence in myself gave both improved ten-fold already. I appreciate his work and his help immensely. I am very grateful to James.
Written on Mar 13, 2021 after therapy with James for 2 months
He is great
Written on Feb 05, 2021 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and lgbt
James is very understanding of my feelings. It can be tough to release all of your emotions to a stranger but he and I have only been talking a short while and I feel more comfortable every conversation.
Written on Jan 12, 2021 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd