Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
I am a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 16 years of clinical experience serving diverse populations in various agency, private practice, and medical settings. I am primarily a Narrative Therapist and use principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to inform my work with clients. I believe that one of the central tasks of one’s life is to make meaning out of experience, regardless of whether that experience is perceived to be “good” or “bad.” How we feel about our life’s path depends a great deal on the stories we tell ourselves about our past and our future.
Even though these elements of past and future are important, how we feel about ourselves in the present, and in fact our ability to be willingly present with whatever circumstances come up for us, is a powerful predictor of feelings of competence and well-being. Many times we struggle “against” our own experience, causing needless suffering for ourselves and even for those around us.
In my experience, the only prerequisite for meaningful change is a willingness to believe that it can be possible. Even if you question whether you’re willing to believe this, I believe that we can work together to influence factors that ultimately lead to willingness and a meaningful excursion into a change process. In my therapeutic process, we are partners – you’re the expert on you, and I bring the Narrative, Psychodynamic, and ACT focus to train different lenses on your situation, all with respect and compassion, and without advancing an agenda of “shoulds.” If you’re courageous about digging into the rich material of your inner life (even if you’re anxious about it too), we’ll be a good fit.
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
James Rusk is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in West Virginia with 17 years of clinical experience. He primarily practices from a Narrative therapy perspective and draws on principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to guide his work.
James views one central life task as making meaning from experience, whether those experiences are judged good or bad. He believes the stories people tell themselves about their past and future shape how they feel about their life path, while the capacity to be present with current circumstances strongly influences feelings of competence and well-being.
He often sees unnecessary suffering arise when people struggle against their own experience. For James, the first step toward meaningful change is a willingness to consider that change is possible. Even when a person is unsure about that willingness, he believes it is possible to work together to create conditions that foster openness to change.
In therapy he approaches the relationship as a partnership – the client remains the expert on their own life, and James applies Narrative, psychodynamic, and ACT-informed perspectives to offer new lenses on a situation. He emphasizes respect and compassion without promoting an agenda of “shoulds,” and he welcomes people who are ready to explore their inner life, even when that exploration feels anxious.
Many people wonder whether online therapy can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and navigating life transitions, research and clinical experience indicate that therapy delivered remotely can be as effective as traditional in-person care.
A major benefit of online therapy is flexibility. Clients can choose the mode of connection that fits their needs and comfort level – video sessions, phone calls, live chat, or in-app messaging – which makes it easier to attend sessions alongside work, family, and other commitments.
All participating clinicians are licensed professionals, and if a client feels a different match would be better, it is generally possible to switch therapists. Overall, online therapy offers an accessible, adaptable option for addressing everyday mental health challenges while fitting treatment into a busy life.
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