James Alves , LMHC

James Alves is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Florida with nine years of clinical experience. He draws on a distinctive professional background, having transitioned to counseling after a 32-year career as a private practice lawyer, and combines that experience with compassion to help people facing a wide range of concerns. He creates a nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore relationship difficulties, anger, stress and anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, depression, career questions, and caregiving challenges.

He works with a diverse cross-section of people including professionals, blue collar workers, parents, graduate students, agency administrators, and seniors, helping them better understand the past, engage with the present, and plan for the future. His conversational style favors plain language and, when appropriate, a measure of lightness and humor to make challenging topics more approachable. He focuses on practical coping skills, communication and attachment issues, and support through life transitions such as midlife changes or evolving family roles.

James tailors his work to individual goals, drawing on clinical approaches and collaborative planning to help people move forward. He also has a particular interest in supporting caregivers and families managing aging, illness, or disability.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

James frequently uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise. ACT can be useful for stress, anxiety, and navigating life transitions by focusing on what matters most to the individual.

He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which identifies unhelpful thinking patterns and develops practical skills to change reactions and behaviors. CBT is often effective for anxiety, depression, anger, and situations where clients want skill-based strategies.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and James works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He tailors sessions so the chosen approach supports the client’s priorities and adapts over time as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules or manage care from a distance. These options allow licensed professionals to provide consistent support while accommodating different communication styles and practical constraints.