Greetings! I am James Milner, an LCSW, with 20 years of providing counseling services in a professional capacity. I am a graduate of Savannah State University, where I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree.I then completed my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Georgia. I obtained my LMSW in 2006. I obtained my clinical licensure in 2012.
I am from Atlanta, GA, and have worked in the area for my entire career. I initially served as the Mental Health Specialist for Community Concerns, Inc., and supervised a transitional housing program for severely mentally ill homeless men for 10 years. Since that time I have gone on to become the Executive Director of the agency. In that capacity I have designed and implemented several supportive housing programs including: Emergency Shelter; transitional housing for women; a Dual Diagnosis Substance Abuse residential program; and an apartment complex with onsite supportive services for homeless families.
During this time I also started my private Practice, S.H.A.N.T.I Psychotherapy, LLC (S.H.A.N.T.I - Spiritual Holistic and Natural Therapeutic Interventions). Through that agency I contracted to provide services at Georgia State University in their Counseling and Testing Department. I maintained that contract for approximately three years. From there I obtained my own office space in downtown Decatur, GA and operated out of that space a little over two years. I left my office space when I was promoted to Executive Director of my non-profit agency, CCI.
In addition, I am a licensed and ordained Baptist minister and serve as the Assistant Pastor of the Chapel of Christian Love Baptist Church. In that capacity I am also the Lead Pastoral Counselor for the church. I am a yogi and Reiki Master. I am also Certified as a Meditation Instructor and as an Anger Management trainer. I am also trained in hypnotherapy.
I consider understanding the culture, world - view and belief system of the client with whom I am working, to be crucial to establishing an effective therapeutic relationship. I utilize an eclectic approach that incorporates philosophy, psychology, and spirituality as valid tools to improve well being of the clients I serve. My specialty is assisting adults in understanding their personal history and the connection to the challenges they currently face. I enjoy the therapeutic relationship and operate from a personal philosophy that believes "mind over body...spirit over mind". In addition to utilizing the Best Evidence BasedPractices that have evolved out of therapeutic practice; I acknowledge the extensive history of applying interventions that take into account the spiritual beliefs of the individual. To that end I also utilize Transpersonal Psychology as deemed appropriate and effective.
I have worked well with men, women and couples. I work to connect with each client as an individual and not as a representative of their assigned diagnosis. I see the diagnostic process as simply a step toward finding the most appropriate solution to alleviate suffering and to increase the quality of life.
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Blended family issues, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
Services offered
Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging
License information
GA LCSW CSW004725
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for James Milner. 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.
He’s a good listener and I enjoy speaking to him when I’m going through something
Written on Apr 02, 2025 after therapy with James for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
James is great! Easy to talk to and gives great advice and ways to work through difficulties.
Written on Feb 07, 2025 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Awesome and responsive, very insightful
Written on Nov 12, 2024 after therapy with James for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coaching
I found out my wife had an ongoing affair with her boss. The betrayal nearly broke me. James has been instrumental in helping me get through this, which has proven to be the most difficult thing I've had to endure.
Written on Jun 20, 2024 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes
I don't even know where to begin! Admittedly at first starting therapy I was nervous and a little apprehensive. I wasn't sure if this was "for me." Mr. James has literally been an answer to prayer! Kind and caring yet impartial and objective, I've learned so many proactive coping tools and ways to help relax and regain focus. And the fact that we believe the same from a theological standpoint has also allowed me to grow and deepen my relationship with God as well. I am beyond grateful to have access to such help and hope, and it's impossible to say thank you too many times! All the best to Mr. James for helping me become whole for the first time!
Written on Apr 01, 2024 after therapy with James for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and anger management
James was an awesome listener and great to talk to.
Written on Mar 25, 2024 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coaching
James has an impeccable memory and is very in tune with my issues and my needs. I look forward to all of my sessions.
Written on Mar 10, 2024 after therapy with James for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Dr. James is real down to earth and always has good information to share with me on how to overcome my mental obstacles. Plus I feel like he genuinely cares about my well being and growth.
Written on Jan 13, 2024 after therapy with James for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
James is knowledgeable and candid. Most therapists know how to give constructive criticism. James does so in a way that helps me self-analyze while maintaining my self-respect and facilitating growth in my healing journey. And, he doesn't unnecessarily draw out the treatment plan just so I'll keep coming back and spending money. I recommend James 100%. I don't know where I'd be had it not been for him.
Written on Jan 11, 2024 after therapy with James for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
James is the absolute man!!!
Written on Oct 09, 2023 after therapy with James for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
James is a fantastic therapist and extremely easy to speak with. Please don't hesitate to book with him.
Written on May 31, 2023 after therapy with James for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Best therapist I’ve ever had
Written on Mar 15, 2023 after therapy with James for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
James helped me get more in touch with the present and control my emotions better. He was a great sounding board for issues, and he has a God centered approach that I appreciate.
Written on Mar 11, 2023 after therapy with James for 5 months on issues concerning addictions, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
James was an absolute pleasure. Always good conversation, very insightful discussions, and a genuine friendly urge to help. I had to move out of state and if I could keep him on as my therapist, I would. Don't fret if you're assigned James, he'll take care of you.
Written on Jan 30, 2023 after therapy with James for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Very professional without bias and challenging by presenting a different perspective.
Written on Dec 09, 2022 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and relationship issues
Excellent communicator and responds in a timely manner.
Written on Aug 29, 2022 after therapy with James for 4 months on issues concerning anger management
I feel tremendous relief having a non bias spiritual counselor to speak with.
Written on Aug 17, 2022 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
James was very knowledgeable. He wasn’t pushy and provided some first step actionable items. My first therapy session in life and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Written on Aug 05, 2022 after therapy with James for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
The best person I’ve had the pleasure of talking to. Very knowledgeable and undserstanding. 10 out of 10 and 5 stars all the way
Written on Jul 05, 2022 after therapy with James for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and anger management
James Milner is very knowledgeable and smart, and it is apparent that he is operating in his calling. He provides excellent and sound advise using and truly understands your concerns.
Written on Jun 19, 2022 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
He's awesome!
Written on Mar 05, 2022 after therapy with James for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Mr Milner has been a great source of support and encouragement. I believe he wants me to succeed in my journey and I appreciate that so much
Written on Feb 10, 2022 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, coping with life changes, adhd, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and coaching
Great advice and very professional but down to earth! I love that!
Written on Jan 28, 2022 after therapy with James for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
James is amazing, supports me when it is necessary, but challenges me when it is needed. I have already recommended him (and BetterHelp, because of him) to everyone who will listen.
Written on Jan 12, 2022 after therapy with James for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and self esteem
Mr. Milner offers a brand new perspective on my issues and has helped me be better at finding time for my own self-care.
Written on Nov 30, 2021 after therapy with James for 3 months on issues concerning depression, and trauma and abuse
James Milner is an excellent Therapist. His style of therapy is unlike others I’ve experienced in the past. He encourages journaling, writing out the thoughts and experiences you may have at any given moment, and sharing through the BetterHelp portal so that he is prepared in advance of the meeting to unpack and tackle those concerns. He has helped me to view things from a different lens, to live in the now and not allow myself to be defined through my past experiences. I appreciate how he incorporates biblical principals and scriptural references when tackling my concerns. I have truly been blessed by this therapy experience, and each session brings about a different level of healing and understanding.
Written on Nov 28, 2021 after therapy with James for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
I've been working with James for the last few weeks and I've had a great experience. He has been very receptive to my goals and have tailored a plan that I've been able to put into practice since Day 1. I would highly recommend working with him to anyone looking to build better habits for living a healthier, happier life. Thank you James!
Written on Sep 24, 2021 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
James is a great therapist.
Written on Aug 29, 2021 after therapy with James for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I’ve been meeting with James weekly for over 3 months. We mainly focus on anxiety, unhealthy attachments, relationships (all varieties), and navigating PTSD from past trauma. He’s taught me a lot that I’m able to carry into my daily life and apply long term. My experience with James has been a very positive one! I look forward to continuing counseling with him.
Written on Jul 25, 2021 after therapy with James for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
The site paired me with the perfect counselor for my needs and temperament. James Milner listens carefully and offers comments that are thoughtful and caring. He is helping me to change my narrative and lead with intent and purpose.
Written on Feb 04, 2021 after therapy with James for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, self esteem, and coaching
Mr. Milner is very professional and supportive in his therapy approach . He was a tremendous help in the rediscovery of myself and finding gratitude. He is always punctual and gives great suggestions on implementing practical solutions to aid you in the healing process.
Written on Jan 17, 2021 after therapy with James for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues
Mr Milner has excellent communication skills, he blends the right amount of time listening to understand how to best help you, with the right amount of time offer solutions and new ways of seeing things He does it in way to where he meets me on my level and make sure my needs are being addressed. I fully recommend Mr Milner if you want great counseling from an expert in his field and someone dedicated to service!
Written on Dec 14, 2020 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
Mr. Milner, is a "straight shooter" who incorporates his expertise with wisdom, common sense and compassion for his clients.
Written on Nov 27, 2020 after therapy with James for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
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