IFSTherapists

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LCSW, LISW-CP

James Wankel, LCSW, LISW-CP

  • Experience5 years
  • LocationNorth Carolina
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Addictions, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Client-Centered Therapy
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About James

James Wankel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, ADHD, and life transitions. He brings five years of clinical experience to work that centers empathy, practical skills, and individualized care.

Background and approach

His practice emphasizes listening closely to each person’s story and tailoring interventions to fit real-world needs rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions. Wankel draws on evidence-informed methods including Internal Family Systems, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing to address patterns that keep people stuck and to build coping resources.

He also attends to a wide range of concerns such as communication problems, body image, chronic pain and illness, dissociation, and issues related to sexuality and relationships. Operating from a multicultural, nonjudgmental stance, he aims to create an affirming space where clients can explore identity, process difficult experiences, and develop practical strategies for daily life.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Internal Family Systems helps people notice and dialogue with the different parts of themselves - the protective, wounded, and core Self - to reduce internal conflict and increase self-leadership. This method can be useful for working with trauma responses, dissociation, and patterns of avoidance.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and testing new ways of responding. It is often applied to anxiety, stress management, and habit change by teaching practical skills clients can use between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey and will be decided collaboratively. The therapist will explore a person’s goals, preferences, and current challenges and adapt methods as needed rather than relying on a single technique.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit support into busy schedules or when in-person care is not feasible. These formats allow licensed professionals to offer consistent, ongoing work on goals, skill practice, and processing life events while meeting clients where they are.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and coaching for life transitions. He also supports people facing issues like communication problems, chronic pain, eating and food-related concerns, and identity-related challenges.
What is the therapist’s general approach in sessions?
Sessions combine client-centered listening with practical, evidence-informed tools. Techniques may include mindfulness, cognitive behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, and parts-focused work to help clients explore patterns and build coping skills.
How much clinical experience does this therapist have?
The clinician has five years of professional experience providing mental health care and support across a range of concerns and populations.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
He holds LCSW and LISW-CP credentials and practices in North Carolina. Licensure details are NC LCSW C019216 and SC LISW-CP 18468.
Does this therapist offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
In what formats are sessions available?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what fits their needs and schedule.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomania

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

North Carolina, South Carolina

Languages

English