James Gilligan, LCSW

Florida · 20 years in practice

James Gilligan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida who helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, addictions, grief, depression, and relationship or intimacy issues.

License and registration

LCSW, Florida: SW6196 · expires March 2027
NPI: 1346446002 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 20
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 Gilligan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida who helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, addictions, grief, depression, and relationship or intimacy issues. He has two decades of clinical experience and works with concerns such as parenting strain, sleep and eating problems, career stress, anger, and compassion fatigue. He practices in a straightforward, practical style.

Sessions focus on clear steps people can try between meetings. He draws on cognitive behavioral and dialectical skills to teach coping tools and communication techniques.

Background and approach

EMDR is also part of his approach for people affected by traumatic memories. Before independent practice he earned a Master of Social Work from Florida International University in 1998 and became licensed in Florida in 2000. Early work included school-based individual and group work in Miami-Dade County and care for people with severe mental illness.

From 2007 onward he provided services to active duty military, addressing marital problems, anxiety, depression, PTSD, domestic violence concerns, and the effects of dysfunctional family systems. That experience shaped his approach to trauma and relationship patterns. He also has experience supporting people with addictions and eating disorders and has used Gottman marriage counseling methods in relationship-focused work.

His background emphasizes practical change - helping people make concrete adjustments that fit their daily life.

Focus areas and approaches

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

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Trauma and abuse
Grief
Self esteem
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Intimacy-related issues
Eating disorders
Sleeping disorders
Parenting issues
Anger management
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Coping with life changes
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
Abandonment
Attachment issues
Codependency
Communication problems
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues

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 for Trauma and Everyday Stress Online

James commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR as part of his work. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. EMDR addresses distressing memories by pairing focused attention with guided processing to reduce the emotional intensity of those memories.

Finding the right approach happens together. The therapist will discuss your needs, goals, and past experiences and recommend methods that fit your situation. That collaborative planning lets sessions adapt over time as progress is made or priorities change.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video works well for in-depth work and EMDR-style processing when visual contact helps. Phone calls can suit a shorter check-in or lower bandwidth needs. Live chat or text-based messaging is useful for brief updates, between-session coaching, or when written reflection feels easier. These formats let people fit therapy into busy days and stay connected even when travel or schedules would otherwise get in the way.

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Questions people ask

What concerns does James address in therapy?

He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and sleep or eating problems among other concerns.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

His style is practical and goal-oriented, focusing on skills people can use between sessions and clear steps to change unhelpful patterns.

What is his professional background?

He earned a Master of Social Work from Florida International University in 1998 and has about 20 years of clinical experience, including work in schools and with active duty military.

What credentials and location are on record?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Florida and practices out of Florida.

Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.

In what formats are sessions offered?

Sessions can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are costs handled for sessions?

Costs vary with location and therapist arrangement; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

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