James Wankel, LCSW, LISW-CP
About me
This is the therapist you are looking for.
If you’re looking for a therapist who understands complexity, empathy, and real-world challenges—this is the space for you.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina with extensive experience supporting individuals navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, and major life transitions. My practice is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and evidence-based care.
I am especially committed to serving LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, first responders, and those living with social isolation or identity-related concerns. I work to create a safe and affirming environment where every person is seen, heard, and valued.
My therapeutic approach emphasizes understanding your unique story and tailoring strategies to support your goals. Clients often come to me with struggles involving communication, social anxiety, sexuality, chronic pain, and relational conflict. Together, we unpack difficult experiences, develop emotional resilience, and foster confidence in navigating life’s demands.
With a strong foundation in multicultural perspectives, I provide inclusive, nonjudgmental care informed by clinical expertise and deep respect for who you are. Whether you're healing from trauma, rebuilding after addiction, managing ADHD, or striving for personal growth, I am here to walk alongside you with empathy, clarity, and steady support.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Help is here.
Professional experience
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Traumatic brain injury, Trichotillomania, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
Languages
License information
NC LCSW C019216
SC LISW-CP 18468