Jesse James

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how these patterns influence their daily lives, relationships, and emotional well-being. My expertise focuses on identifying negative thinking patterns, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and developing healthier perspectives and practical coping strategies.

Gottman Method

I am trained in Level 2 of the Gottman Method for couples counseling and Motivational Interviewing, which is a central part of my therapeutic approach. I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients move beyond hesitation, uncertainty, and personal barriers to openly explore their concerns, recognize their need for change, and feel comfortable discussing difficult subjects. My goal is to create a collaborative, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Addiction Therapy

I bring more than 20 years of experience in addiction counseling and substance use treatment, with credentials as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in Washington and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II) in Oregon. Motivational Interviewing is a cornerstone of my therapeutic approach, helping clients move beyond denial, hesitation, and uncertainty to openly explore their relationship with substances, recognize patterns that may be holding them back.

Couples Counseling

I specialize in helping couples navigate relationship challenges, communication difficulties, recurring conflict, trust issues, emotional disconnection, and the complexities of marriage and long-term partnerships. With Level 2 training in the Gottman Method and a background in Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I help couples better understand one another, identify unhealthy relationship patterns, improve communication, and help rebuild emotional connection.

Anxiety

I bring a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to helping individuals manage anxiety, chronic stress, excessive worry, and emotional overwhelm. With a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a prior master’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, and more than two decades of behavioral health experience, I understand how anxiety can affect emotional well-being, relationships, decision-making, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.

PTSD

I bring extensive behavioral health experience working with individuals navigating PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and the lasting emotional effects of distressing life experiences, utilizing trauma-informed, strengths-based, and evidence-informed therapeutic approaches. As a United States Navy veteran and survivor of military-related trauma, I also bring personal understanding of the challenges associated with military service, identity, transition, and recovery.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

I bring a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to helping individuals and couples navigate anxiety, emotional stress, relationship challenges, and marital difficulties. With a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a prior master’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, and more than two decades of behavioral health experience, I understand how emotional well-being, communication patterns, and relationship dynamics can influence one another.

Drug Dependence / Abuse / Addiction

I bring more than two decades of behavioral health experience, specializing in substance use disorders, addiction counseling, relapse prevention, and co-occurring mental health concerns. As a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in Washington since 2007 and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II) Oregon, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals address substance use, understand the factors contributing to addiction, and develop the skills necessary for lasting change

Codependency

I recognize that codependency can develop through repeated patterns of prioritizing others' needs over one's own, seeking external validation, struggling with boundaries, experiencing excessive responsibility for others' emotions, or remaining in unhealthy relationships despite significant emotional consequences. These patterns can contribute to anxiety, resentment, emotional exhaustion, loss of personal identity, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.