It is by suffering that human beings become angels. – Victor Hugo
Hello, my name is James Chavers. Thank you for taking the time to read my counselor profile.
I am a clinical psychologist licensed and living in California. I earned my masters and doctorate in clinical psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara. I have worked and trained in locked settings (jails and prisons), community health clinics, and colleges and universities for 9 years. I have worked with older adults living with HIV, addiction, and life course diseases, inmates of all genders preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students from 18-50+ navigating the difficulties of college life.
Collaborating with my patients, we have worked through relationship, substance abuse, family, gender, sexuality, sexual assault, mood, and trauma issues, to name a few. My clients and I have worked together using a variety of modalities including Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Client-centered Therapy.
Incorporating Humanistic philosophies in my work, I believe that every person is deserving of love and respect. Each person is the expert of their own life. My purpose as a therapist is to support, suggest, and succor as needed.
Finding the right counselor is akin to meeting a great friend. You want someone in your life who accepts you unconditionally, but is not afraid to call you out when you do something stupid. This friend takes the time to listen carefully to what’s going on, and then if you like, shares some insight. This friend is solidly in your corner and makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room. This friend stands by you and walks by your side as you work through your challenges.
I have been blessed to have people like that in my life. If you give me the privilege, I would like to pay those experiences forward…to you.
James Chavers
PSY32025
Pronouns: He, him, his
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, HIV / AIDS, Immigration issues, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy
CA Psychologist 32025
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. James Chavers. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Dr. Shavers is an excellent therapist. He listens and communicates well. He allows you to talk through things and discover new ideas on your own while also asking the right questions to help get you there along the way. He clearly takes good notes and has genuine interest and compassion for his patients. I’d recommend him to anyone that is looking for a quality therapist that spends time helping you with your issues while simultaneously being just a nice guy to talk about every day life with. He understanding, caring and knowledgeable in his craft.
Written on Sep 10, 2021 after therapy with James for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Dr Chavers has been a joy and a delight to talk to, especially after the recent years. He is very open minded and empathetic to your situation and has a nice way of getting to the main issues even if you are unsure yourself!
Written on Aug 14, 2021 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, coping with life changes, and adhd
James has been a wonderful therapist to work my problems out with. Never have I been respected, listened to or understood before. He asked me what my pronouns were right off the bat because he respects LGBTQIA+. He never judges and only gives insightful responses to my rambling. This is the doctor for you if you really need help and also a friend.
Written on Jul 28, 2021 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and
I’ve only had one session with him so far but I really enjoyed it. It was different because it was a live chat but I enjoyed this feature because it allowed me to kind of think about what to respond without feeling the pressure of an in person appointment. Dr. Chavers seemed to understand my needs during the session and gave me things to think about and work on. I can’t wait to continue to address my needs with him.
Written on Feb 13, 2021 after therapy with James for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, lgbt, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Your questionnaire is effective because I believe that Dr Chavers is a perfect match of a counselor for me. I can tell that he genuinely cares for people and there is no judgement
Written on Feb 05, 2021 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Dr. James is incredibly kind, intuitive and compassionate. He has been a real guiding light for me during this time. Thank you Dr. James!
Written on Feb 05, 2021 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd