James R. Peterson Licensed Clinical Social Worker

"I provide compassionate, holistic counseling backed by over 30 years of clinical experience."

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James Peterson Licensed Clinical Social Worker

A Message from James

Whether you are seeking counseling for the first time or returning to therapy to navigate a new chapter, my role is to help you clarify where you currently are and where you truly want to be. I view therapy as a collaborative journey, and my ultimate goal is to assist you in achieving the greatest possible peace within yourself and happiness in your daily life.

With over 30 years of clinical experience, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals overcome complex mental health challenges, addiction, trauma, and difficult life transitions. When we meet, our first task is to create a tangible, personalized plan to help you face your present obstacles. We start simply and practically: by problem-solving your very next step.

From there, we work together to reduce the distress you are experiencing, rebuild your sense of hope, and empower you to make positive, lasting changes in all areas of your life. I utilize a compassionate, holistic approach—often drawing on cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and resilience coaching—to ensure our work is responsive to your specific needs.

At some point, we are all faced with challenges that make us doubt whether we can ever feel like ourselves again. The most courageous thing you can do is to be honest with yourself and take that initial step forward. It is a profound honor to be chosen by you to support that journey. Together, we will walk each successive step on your path toward creating the fulfilling, balanced life you deserve and already possess the power to make possible.

Licenses and Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): State of Hawaii (LCSW-4513)

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R): State of New York

  • Expressive Arts Therapy Certification: Two-year training program at Glass Lake Studio

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Education and Affiliations

  • Master of Science in Social Work (MSW): Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Social Welfare and Policy

  • Bachelor of Science in Counseling: SUNY Empire State College

  • President and Founder: True Heart Path, Inc. (A non-profit organization promoting unity and self-realization)

Populations Served

  • Military Personnel & Families: Focused support for deployment, reunification, and school-based resilience building.

  • Adults, Children & Families: Treatment for anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and relationship conflicts.

  • Individuals with TBI & Developmental Disabilities: Specialized care for navigating cognitive impairments and physical challenges.

  • Addiction & Dual Diagnosis: Compassionate support for those navigating substance use disorders alongside mental health conditions.

Experience

  • Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC): Extensive experience providing at-school counseling, psycho-educational support, and resilience coaching for military students and families.

  • Clinical Supervision & Leadership: Decades of experience supervising counseling departments and facilitating community integration for individuals with brain injuries.

  • Outpatient & Addiction Therapy: Extensive background in outpatient settings, acute psychiatric intervention, and substance abuse evaluations.

Skills

  • Individual & Family Psychotherapy: Compassionate, holistic care for a wide range of mental health challenges.

  • Addiction & Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Expertise in supporting individuals with mental illnesses and chemical addictions (MICA).

  • Trauma & Brain Injury Support: Specialized counseling for community integration and coping with symbolic loss.

  • Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS): Implementing evidence-based strategies for resilience and behavioral change.