Profile / United States
Dr. James Kowalski, LCMHC, LMHC
West Virginia
LCMHC LMHC - Stress and Addiction focus
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Geriatric concerns
About James
Dr. James Kowalski is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, with the credentials LCMHC and LMHC, and he has practiced for 30 years. He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, anger, depression, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, eating issues, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue. Sessions are conducted in English and his practice is based in West Virginia.
He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), client-centered methods, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. In practice he focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and habits, then trying practical alternatives. He emphasizes straightforward, interactive sessions that encourage small behavior changes and clearer thinking.
His background includes long experience with substance-related challenges and work with older adults. He also has documented experience addressing caregiver stress, cancer-related concerns, hospice and end-of-life counseling, and codependency. He has worked on anger management and supports people dealing with isolation, guilt, and life-purpose questions.
Sessions typically involve talking through current difficulties, checking what patterns keep problems going, and testing new ways of responding between meetings. He blends motivational interviewing to clarify what matters most and mindfulness practices to reduce reactivity. Cognitive techniques are used to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts.
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, visitors are asked to use the online matching tool, complete a short questionnaire, and schedule a first session. He does not take international clients.
How his CBT and ACT approaches work for remote care
Dr. Kowalski uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice thinking patterns that keep problems going and to practice new responses. CBT focuses on concrete steps - tracking thoughts, testing small behavioral experiments, and reviewing what changed. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify values and take committed steps, even when uncomfortable feelings remain. ACT is useful for stress, anxiety, and ongoing life challenges where change and acceptance both matter.He also draws on client-centered listening and motivational interviewing to shape sessions around what the person wants to work on. That means choosing techniques together based on goals, preferences, and what works in early sessions. The therapist treats finding the right mix as a collaborative process rather than a fixed plan.
Confirm current session formats before booking since the biography does not list specific online formats. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example shorter check-ins during a lunch break, fewer travel barriers, or options that reduce camera time when needed. Ask about session length and format when scheduling so the mode matches everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, West Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, anger, depression, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, eating issues, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue.
How does he use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
He uses CBT to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, then tests practical alternatives to reduce symptoms and improve coping.
What is his clinical background?
He has 30 years of experience and long experience with substance-related challenges and geriatric concerns, plus training in anger management and addiction counseling noted in his background.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds the credentials LCMHC and LMHC and practices in West Virginia with licensure noted for NC LCMHC and FL LMHC in his record.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does pricing and sessions work?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session using the online tool.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.