Ch. James Patterson, LMFT, LCPC

Hello, I'm James Patterson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and Clinical Chaplain. My diverse background encompasses over 33 years of experience with specialties in various therapeutic techniques.

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Armed with dual masters' degrees from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, my journey has taken me cross-country aiding countless individuals, couples, groups and families while serving as a chaplain and war veteran.

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Experience & Specializations

My comprehensive experience in mental health spans various environments and demographics, from the dynamic urban centers of San Diego and San Antonio to the quiet expanses of Kansas and Alaska. These diverse experiences have enriched my practice.

 

In settings ranging from community clinics to private practices, I've provided individual therapy, marriage counseling, family therapy, and group sessions.

 

I focus on managing depression, navigating divorce, treating PTSD, aiding sexual trauma recovery, addressing moral injury, and post-deployment readjustment for military personnel, particularly war veterans and their families among other areas.​

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Approaches & Techniques

I equip myself with a variety of counseling techniques to offer the best support to my clients. My toolkit includes Solution Focused Therapy, which is a goal-oriented method that focuses on problems. This approach helps clients envision their future and supports them in making this vision a reality. Prolonged Exposure Therapy is another technique I use, particularly for individuals who have endured traumatic events. It helps them face these events directly, reducing avoidance behaviors that exacerbate symptoms, making it highly effective for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is also integral to my practice. EMDR uses dual attention stimulation to process distressing memories, greatly diminishing their emotional impact over time. These are just a few of the strategies I employ, each selected based on the unique needs and situations of my clients.

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Passion for Helping Others

Assisting others is more than a job for me; it's a deep-seated calling. I derive great satisfaction from helping individuals and families overcome life's hurdles, equipping them with the necessary tools to enhance their lives. Observing people as they rise above their challenges, gain strength, and prosper fills me with joy. My dedication to aiding others reaches further than therapy sessions; I take pride in advocating for my clients, providing essential support across different aspects of their lives. My commitment is not only to heal but also to nurture growth and resilience. Every interaction with a client is a precious chance to positively impact their life, and this passion fuels my daily work as a licensed therapist.

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