- Values-based change
- Narrative perspective
- Mindful noticing
About James
James Rusk, LICSW, helps people navigate stress, anxiety, grief, parenting challenges, addictions, and changes in life. He works with concerns such as relationship and intimacy issues, self-esteem, career worries, bipolar and depression, compassion fatigue, and questions related to LGBT identities. He practices in West Virginia and offers services in English, including to international clients.
Rusk writes that the stories people tell themselves shape how they feel about life. He emphasizes being present and noticing how struggling against experience can add to suffering. Sessions focus on practical ways to notice thoughts and feelings, and on choosing values-based actions rather than getting stuck in rumination or avoidance.
His approach draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered work, cognitive behavioral ideas, existential perspective, and mindfulness. He describes therapy as a partnership where the person is the expert on their life and the therapist brings different lenses to the material. The aim is to increase willingness to try change, not to push an agenda of shoulds.
Rusk has extensive clinical experience and has worked in agency, private practice, and medical settings. He values straightforward conversation and compassion, and he invites people who are ready to look at their inner life to engage in the process. To get started, follow the site instructions to connect and schedule a first appointment.
Background and approach: With 17 years of practice as a LICSW, Rusk blends narrative and psychodynamic ideas with ACT and mindfulness methods. He helps people make sense of their past stories while building skills to act on what matters now. Sessions often involve examining unhelpful patterns, trying small behavioral steps, and practicing present-moment noticing to reduce distress and increase meaningful action.
How these approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, depression, coping with life changes, and issues where moving toward what matters matters more than changing every feeling.Client-centered therapy focuses on respectful listening and following the client's lead. It supports building insight, self-acceptance, and a sense of being heard, which can help with grief, self-esteem, and relationship concerns.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to see what methods feel helpful and adjust over time based on goals, preferences, and how the work is progressing. This is a joint process rather than a fixed prescription.
Many people find online options helpful for fitting therapy into busy lives. Online sessions can make it easier to schedule meetings around work, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when that suits a person's routine. Because the biography does not specify which session formats are used, confirm the available options before booking to ensure they fit your needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
West Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist help with?
Areas listed include stress, anxiety, grief, parenting, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, self-esteem, career worries, bipolar, depression, and compassion fatigue.
What is the general style of therapy?
The approach is collaborative and conversational. Sessions emphasize listening, exploring life stories, and choosing actions that align with personal values.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
He has 17 years of clinical experience working in agency, private practice, and medical settings.
What credentials and region are listed?
The clinician is a LICSW licensed in West Virginia and provides services based in that state.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English and this therapist accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.