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LCSW, LISW-CP

James Wankel, LCSW, LISW-CP

  • Experience5 years
  • LocationNorth Carolina
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About James

James Wankel brings five years of clinical social work experience to clients facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and life transitions.

Background and approach

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and holds an additional license as a LISW-CP in North Carolina, and his practice blends compassion with practical, evidence-informed strategies. Wankel emphasizes understanding each person’s circumstances and tailoring interventions to fit their goals and daily life.

His work integrates several therapeutic methods to address emotional and behavioral concerns while helping clients strengthen coping skills and build resilience. He draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, narrative-informed exploration, and motivational methods to support change.

Sessions focus on clarifying priorities, unpacking difficult experiences, and developing manageable steps toward healthier patterns. Wankel describes his style as warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative, prioritizing clarity and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship.

He aims to create an inclusive space where clients feel heard and supported as they work toward improved functioning and greater self-understanding.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Options

James uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies for managing symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and addictive behaviors. He also incorporates client-centered methods that prioritize the person’s goals and lived experience, creating space for empathic listening and collaborative problem solving. Mindfulness-based elements are used to increase present-moment awareness and support emotional regulation when helpful for coping with distress.

Finding the right mix of approaches is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist works with clients to assess which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts strategies over time based on what proves useful in practice.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for people balancing work, family, or mobility constraints. These formats make it possible to maintain continuity of care across changing schedules and allow clients to engage in therapy from locations that suit them while working toward clearer goals and improved daily functioning.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist help with?
James supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and related challenges such as communication problems, body image, and chronic pain.
What therapeutic style can I expect?
The approach is collaborative and client-centered, emphasizing empathy, practical skill building, and adapting techniques to each person’s needs.
What training and experience does the therapist have?
He has five years of clinical experience working with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns and applies evidence-based approaches in practice.
Where is the therapist licensed and located?
He practices in North Carolina and holds the credentials LCSW and LISW-CP with license numbers NC LCSW C019216 and SC LISW-CP 18468.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
James offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How is cost handled for therapy?
Fees vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomania

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

North Carolina, South Carolina

Languages

English