About James
James Rusk is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 17 years of experience. He helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting strain, career questions, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar, and compassion fatigue. He also supports people working through family conflict, LGBT issues, self-esteem problems, and major life changes.
James favors a practical, conversational approach in sessions. He listens first and asks questions to clarify what matters most to the person in front of him.
How James works
He uses straightforward tools drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral ideas, mindfulness, and client-centered listening to create steps that fit daily life. In sessions he focuses on what people value, and on small, doable changes. He helps people notice unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior and then tries out different ways of responding.
He pays attention to how meaning and personal stories shape feelings about the past, present, and future. James describes therapy as a partnership. He treats each person as the expert on their own life while offering clinical perspectives to view problems differently.
He works without pushing a list of shoulds and aims to build willingness for change through practical experience. James practices from West Virginia and offers sessions in English. He accepts international clients and uses several online formats to connect, so people can choose what fits their routine and technology comfort level.
James lists 8 ways of working on the entry:
What James works with
The areas below are the ones James selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Grief
Also listed
- Addictions
- Bipolar disorder
- Career difficulties
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Intimacy-related issues
- LGBT
- Parenting issues
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
Training and background
| Register | LICSW |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 17 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | West Virginia |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
Approaches you can use online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most and take small steps toward those values even when thoughts or feelings are uncomfortable. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and problems with motivation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing different behaviors to change mood and functioning; it often helps with anxiety, depression, and stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes active listening and empathy so the person feels heard and can explore choices at their own pace.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels useful. Together they will try methods and adjust the plan based on what helps in real life, making the process collaborative rather than fixed.
Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls work well for in-depth conversations and visual cues. Phone sessions can fit a shorter break or use less bandwidth. Live chat and text messaging are useful for quick check-ins, homework prompts, or when writing feels easier than speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to keep consistent work toward goals.
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Common questions
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A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
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