James Wankel, LCSW, LISW-CP

North Carolina · 5 years in practice

James Wankel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) with five years of experience.

License and registration

LCSW, North Carolina: C019216 · expires November 2027
LISW-CP, South Carolina: 18468 · expires December 2026
NPI: 1821728593 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 5
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About James

James Wankel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) with five years of experience. He helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, ADHD, and major life transitions. He practices in North Carolina and offers straightforward, practical support for real problems.

He listens first and then works with each person to build a plan that fits their life. Sessions focus on clear goals, coping skills, and steps people can use between meetings.

Background and approach

James blends gentle coaching with practical tools so progress feels useful and doable. His approach pulls from client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and narrative methods. That mix lets him tailor sessions to what each person needs, whether the focus is managing anxiety or staying sober.

The methods are explained in plain language during the first sessions. James has worked with people facing a wide range of concerns, including abandonment, communication problems, chronic pain and illness, eating issues, and stress from first responder roles. He also supports clients navigating sexuality and alternative relationship cultures, autism-related needs, and fatherhood challenges.

He practices with attention to identity and social context. People who choose him can expect direct conversation, skill building, and practical follow-up between sessions. James emphasizes collaboration and respects each person’s pace.

If someone wants steady guidance and clear tools to manage life’s demands, he aims to provide consistent, compassionate support.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything James lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Trauma and abuse
Coaching
ADHD
Abandonment
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
Blended family issues
Body image
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Dissociation
Drug and alcohol addiction
Eating and food-related issues
Family problems
Fatherhood issues
First responder issues
Gender dysphoria
Guilt and shame
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Men's issues
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Multicultural concerns
Narcissism
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Personality disorders
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Sex addiction
Sexual assault and abuse
Sexual dysfunction
Sexuality
Smoking / vaping cessation
Traumatic brain injury
Trichotillomania

Approaches James names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

Approaches That Work Online and How They Help

Client-centered work focuses on listening and understanding each person’s experience. It helps people feel heard and guides the therapist to tailor the plan to individual goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) breaks problems into clearer parts - thoughts, feelings, and actions - and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness practice brings attention to the present moment and can reduce reactivity to stress and anxiety.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods suit their needs and goals. That might mean combining elements of client-centered listening with CBT tools or adding mindfulness exercises based on what fits best.

Online formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when a deeper discussion is needed. Phone sessions work well when internet quality or bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for short check-ins, quick skill coaching, or when someone prefers written exchanges. These options help people access support with flexibility and consistency.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does he help with?

James works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and coaching for life transitions. He also addresses related concerns like communication problems, chronic pain, eating issues, and first responder stress.

How would you describe his therapy style?

He uses a straightforward, collaborative style that combines listening with practical skill-building. Sessions focus on clear goals and steps to try between meetings.

What is his background and experience?

He has five years of clinical experience working with people facing trauma, addiction, anxiety, and other challenges. That experience shapes a practical approach to treatment.

Where is he based and what credentials does he hold?

He practices in North Carolina and holds LCSW and LISW-CP credentials as listed in his profile.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to meet different needs and schedules.

How do fees and scheduling work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button and complete the short matching questionnaire.

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