When talking helps,
but doesn't quite heal,
I offer a way forward.
Precise, focused support for trauma, anxiety, and stuck emotional patterns. I use EMDR and trauma-focused therapy, with occasional support from music therapy – all aimed at reaching what words alone can’t shift.
About Me
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR-certified trauma specialist, and board-certified music therapist. I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and entrenched emotional patterns, especially when talk therapy alone hasn’t brought lasting change.
My approach is structured, attuned, and focused. I integrate EMDR with talk therapy and music-informed methods to help you move forward in a way that’s precise, grounded, and aligned to your goals.
Sessions are available in person at my office in Philadelphia, or via secure telehealth across Pennsylvania.
What I Help With
● Trauma & PTSD
You may feel stuck in the past, on edge, or emotionally shut down. We’ll use EMDR and focused trauma work to help your system reset—without having to relive everything.
● Anxiety & Chronic Stress
Your thoughts race, your body won’t settle, and rest feels out of reach. Our work focuses on restoring steadiness, calm, and a deeper sense of internal control.
● Shame & Self-Criticism
You question your worth, even when things appear fine. Therapy can loosen the grip of self-judgment and help you develop a more stable, grounded sense of yourself.
● Relationship Patterns
You may find yourself caught in the same roles: over-giving, withdrawing, or expecting rejection. We’ll explore the deeper origins of these patterns and work to shift them.
● Grief & Loss
Even if time has passed, the weight of loss can linger. We’ll work to metabolize the pain so it no longer keeps you stuck.
● Life Transitions
Major changes — chosen or not — can leave you disoriented. We’ll work to clarify what’s shifting, and support you in finding your footing.
My Approach
Grounded. Responsive.
Focused on what works.
When talk therapy helps, but doesn’t quite shift the deeper patterns, I offer a more precise, integrative approach.
At the core of my work is EMDR, a structured, research-backed method that helps the nervous system resolve what words alone can’t. I also draw from trauma-informed talk therapy and music-informed interventions when they support your goals.
This isn’t generic therapy. It’s tailored, steady, and responsive to your needs, designed to move beyond the analytical mind and reach the emotional, sensory, and unconscious systems where trauma often lives.
Our work is collaborative, but directed. We don’t linger in pain. We work toward resolution, using the right method with the right guidance.
You don’t have to relive every painful memory to heal.
What Clients Say
I wasn’t trying to "get in touch with my feelings". I just wanted to stop reacting to things I couldn’t control. James met me where I was. He was direct, respectful, and clear. I left sessions feeling more capable, not more confused.
— Brian, Philadelphia
Other therapists helped me recognize my patterns. James helped me change them.
— Julie, Bryn Mawr
Let's Talk
I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. No pressure, no obligation. Just a chance to talk and see what you need.
Sessions are $200. I’m an out-of-network provider, and many clients receive partial reimbursement through their insurance. I’m happy to walk you through how that works during the consultation.
James Lavino