James Gardner, PhD, LICSW

Counseling Style

Jim has a passion for language and international cultures as evidenced by his extensive work with Russian Jewish immigrants. And as a person in recovery for over 10 years he is personally acquainted with the struggles related to maintenance of sobriety. He states that he is also grateful to God for the life lessons that he has learned caring for aging parents and a partner. These lessons have taught him many life lessons regarding the care of others.

Experience

Jim is an LICSW with a Ph.D. from the Smith College in clinical social work. As a licensed social worker, he not only focuses on an individual’s mental health but also considers the role of the social environment that affects an individual. After receiving his MSW in 1982, he served at the D St. clinic in South Boston for 28 years. More recently, Jim has over 5 years of outpatient experience working with clients on both a short- and long-term basis. Over this time, Jim gained experience and became skilled at addressing many mental health issues including:

Specialties

• Substance Related/Addictive Disorders
• Anger Management
• Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Health/Medical Problems
• LGBTQIA
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders
• Peak Performance/Performance Anxiety
• Domestic Violence
• Ethnic/Cultural Issues
• Adjustment Disorder
• Developmental Disabilities
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
• Court Mandated
• Bipolar Disorder
• Gender Identity
• Depression
• BIPOC
• Personality Disorders
• Trauma

Clinical Modalities + Treatments

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic/ Psychoanalysis
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Jim is aware that to have the deep and meaningful discussion required for the therapeutic process, a relationship of trust is needed. He is dedicated to establishing this relationship with everyone that he works with.

Authored Articles & Interviews