About Me
In person therapy for adults in San Diego, CA
and telehealth available across California.
Hi, I’m James Carr. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults who are feeling overwhelmed with life stressors or negative thoughts and emotions. My goal is to help you stop feeling flooded with negative thoughts and anxieties and start encouraging you to experience healing and transformation.
My Journey To Becoming A Therapist
I’m no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I’m human. I've been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help.
I used to think that I became a therapist to help other people but realized early on I needed to do my own work. I experienced several traumatic deaths in my family when I was younger as well as bullying as a child and relationships that never lasted. As someone who has been there I consider it an honor to help others grow and thrive.
My life experiences are what led me to become the therapist I am today.
HELPING PEOPLE HELPS ME GENUINELY CONNECT
Being a therapist is fulfilling. I love helping people become healthier and more empowered and seeing them finally getting the life they desire. The most rewarding thing about being a therapist is providing encouragement during life’s challenges.
I am committed to encouraging you to see healing and transformation.
I have Compassion For People And Bring An Open, Non-judgemental Presence To Sessions.
I have a natural ability to:
● Understand people’s experiences
● Help people identify what they are feeling
● Be flexible on the path of discovering what’s going on
● Help clients heal their past and manage the present
People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can be fully present for people’s stories, even if they are difficult stories.
Our Sessions Are Focused On You
Sessions will provide you with the space to be understood and heard. In feeling safe and comfortable, you’ll be able to gain clarity.
It’s important to me to provide a non-judgemental space where you can be yourself. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to therapy. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.
As A Therapist, I Embrace The Following Philosophies
● I believe that we only heal if we take care of ourselves
● I believe that therapy should address the person as a whole – their mind, body, and spirit
● I believe that loving and accepting ourselves for who we are, scars and all, is one of the most courageous things we can do
● I believe that we can stop feeding, believing and feeling shame when we share our story with someone who can hear it with empathy and understanding
● I believe we don’t have to suffer as much and that we can grow happiness inside
My Professional Background
I practice an integrated trauma-informed approach, utilizing Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Present Based Awareness skills. I have advanced training in the Comprehensive Resource Model, Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing which supports healing from complex traumas.
I also have advanced training in Mindfulness Based Self-Compassion, which helps decrease secondary emotions related to trauma experiences, such as shame, disgust and self-worth. I received my masters degree in Clinical Social Work from Barry University in Miami, FL and am a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Let’s Discover How I Can Help
Start living in the moment and enjoying it.
Get a free phone consultation where you can share what’s going on for you and we can explore how I can help.
Call me today at 619-432-2578. I’m here for you.