Dr. James Wood, LMFT
California LMFT specializing in trauma
- Stress and anxiety support
- Addiction recovery help
- Relationship and trauma work
About Dr. James Wood
Dr. James Wood is a California-licensed LMFT with 34 years of clinical experience. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, he has worked extensively with people facing stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship challenges, and trauma and abuse. He emphasizes an atmosphere where thoughts and feelings can be expressed without fear of judgment, and he partners with individuals to help them take courageous first steps toward a more fulfilling and happier life.
Dr. Wood approaches therapy with a focus on support and empowerment, helping clients explore patterns, rebuild connections, and develop practical coping strategies. He values honest dialogue and a collaborative process that attends to each person’s strengths and challenges. His practice reflects long-term clinical experience and a commitment to guiding others through change and recovery.
He also has a forthcoming memoir titled Different Drummer. The book traces a life that begins with a joyful, energetic childhood and moves into the turbulence and self-discovery of adolescence. Early adulthood weaves together marriage, school, and drumming before the author enters the USMC and serves in Vietnam - an experience that reshapes his understanding of himself and the world. Returning home, he navigates post-war uncertainty, pursues college, and eventually confronts a period of heavy drinking that culminates in sobriety and a new beginning in Dallas. A move to California marks the start of healing, community, and creative expression - leading to graduate school, psychoanalytic training, and a career as a psychotherapist. In later chapters, he reflects on becoming "a different drummer," the life he has built today, and the meaning he draws from the journey in a meditative epilogue.
Dr. Wood approaches therapy with a focus on support and empowerment, helping clients explore patterns, rebuild connections, and develop practical coping strategies. He values honest dialogue and a collaborative process that attends to each person’s strengths and challenges. His practice reflects long-term clinical experience and a commitment to guiding others through change and recovery.
He also has a forthcoming memoir titled Different Drummer. The book traces a life that begins with a joyful, energetic childhood and moves into the turbulence and self-discovery of adolescence. Early adulthood weaves together marriage, school, and drumming before the author enters the USMC and serves in Vietnam - an experience that reshapes his understanding of himself and the world. Returning home, he navigates post-war uncertainty, pursues college, and eventually confronts a period of heavy drinking that culminates in sobriety and a new beginning in Dallas. A move to California marks the start of healing, community, and creative expression - leading to graduate school, psychoanalytic training, and a career as a psychotherapist. In later chapters, he reflects on becoming "a different drummer," the life he has built today, and the meaning he draws from the journey in a meditative epilogue.
Areas of Expertise
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Gottman Method Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. James Wood have?
Dr. James Wood has 34 years of professional experience.
Is Dr. James Wood a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the LMFT credential, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. License details: CA LMFT 28825.
In which languages does Dr. James Wood provide therapy?
Dr. James Wood provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. James Wood located?
Dr. James Wood is located in California.
How can I work with Dr. James Wood as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. James Wood through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. James Wood work with international clients?
Dr. James Wood does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. James Wood cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit for You?
Many people wonder whether meeting with a therapist online can make a real difference. For many common concerns - including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions - online therapy can be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person work, offering a practical option for those seeking help.One of the clearest benefits is flexibility. Individuals can connect with a licensed professional in the way that suits them best - by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging. This range of options often makes it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule or to maintain continuity when circumstances change.
Licensed professionals provide care across these formats, and therapists are typically available to change if someone seeks a different fit. For people weighing their options, online therapy offers an accessible pathway to begin or continue therapeutic work with a trained clinician.