Individual Therapy in Los Angeles
Very often, people don't seek help until they, or those around them, aren't able to tolerate the pain any longer. Some recognize more easily when counseling can help. Others are more affected by denial, choosing to go it alone and suffer longer than necessary.
I'm Dr. James E. Walton, a Licensed Family Therapist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, offering individual therapy in Los Angeles along with marital and relationship counseling. I've borrowed from both fields to build an effective, dynamic approach to help people improve their communication, resolve problems, and achieve greater personal growth.
Therapy Is About Accessing Your Best, Not Fixing a Defect
Therapy isn't about fixing what’s broken in you — it's about helping you show up more fully in your life. You already know you're trying to do your best, but some of your behaviors, thoughts, or feelings may be getting in the way of your success. My work is about helping you access that best version of yourself, not about labeling what's wrong with you.
My Approach to Individual and Marital Therapy
I combine compassion and understanding with humor and a direct approach. As a regularly featured guest expert across many forms of media, I've had the opportunity to share insights and advice with a wide audience, and I bring that same energy and directness into the therapy room.
Whether you're seeking individual therapy in Los Angeles for personal growth, or marriage counseling / premarital counseling to strengthen your relationship, I can help you get to the root of your concerns and find the answers you're looking for. Together, we'll build communication and listening skills that reduce criticism and foster growth between you and your partner, transforming old hurts and resentments into opportunities for understanding and closeness.
Building Better Relationships at Home and Work
I'll give you the tools to improve your relationships both at home and at work, helping you overcome feelings of anger, low self-esteem, and anxiety while developing more satisfying relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. From building self-confidence and managing anger to resolving fears and anxieties, I bring an integrated, proven approach to psychotherapy that I've offered clients in Los Angeles for over 30 years.
If you're seeking more confidence and more control over your life, I can help. Together, we can move you to a place where you're able to get what you want out of life.
Early intervention can prevent problems from developing into more serious, long-term situations. We'll explore the internal patterns and external behaviors affecting your life, while developing the communication skills and personal insights that improve both your personal and professional relationships. Being heard and understood clearly leads to greater connection and intimacy with others.
What You Can Expect in the Therapy Room
Experience has shown me that when people gain insight into their challenges and are then given the tools to address them, it creates a synergistic effect that helps them reach their goals more quickly and effectively. My clients leave sessions with tools they can use in daily life to experience greater clarity, direction, and satisfaction.
I believe it's the therapist's role to be actively involved in the room. I listen and reflect, but I also contribute insightful feedback, informative handouts, personality testing, homework, behavior techniques to try at home, and direct responses to your questions. We're in this together.
I treat you as a whole, capable person with individual needs, placing importance on people above theories. A strong, trusting, and supportive relationship in the therapy room means we're both real people working together to find the answers you're seeking. Together, we'll explore the creative use of your drives, enhance intimacy, examine your dreams, and remove the blocks standing between you and what you want out of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need individual therapy? If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or noticing that certain thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are getting in the way of your relationships, work, or overall sense of well-being, individual therapy in Los Angeles can help. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit — many clients come in simply wanting to understand themselves better and make more intentional choices in their lives.
What happens in a first therapy session? Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We'll talk through what's bringing you in, your history, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. From there, I'll share some initial insights and we'll begin shaping a direction that fits your goals — there's no rigid script, just an honest conversation to start building trust.
How long does individual therapy usually take? It depends on what you're working through. Some clients come in for a few months to work through a specific issue; others continue longer-term for deeper, ongoing personal growth. We'll check in regularly on your progress and goals so therapy always feels purposeful, not open-ended for its own sake.
What's the difference between individual therapy and marriage counseling? Individual therapy focuses on you — your own thoughts, patterns, and growth. Marriage counseling involves both partners and focuses on the relationship itself. Many clients start with one and move into the other as their needs evolve, and I offer both, so we can adjust course if that becomes the right fit.
Do you offer online or virtual therapy sessions? Yes. I see clients both in person and online, so you can choose whichever format fits your schedule and comfort level, or use a mix of both.
Is what I share in therapy confidential? Yes. Confidentiality is a core part of the therapeutic relationship, with the standard legal and ethical exceptions that apply to all licensed therapists (such as risk of harm to yourself or others). I'm happy to walk you through exactly what confidentiality means in our work together during your first session.
How much does individual therapy cost, and do you accept insurance? My fee is $250 per session. I don't accept insurance directly, but I provide signed forms (superbills) that many clients use to seek reimbursement from their insurance company for out-of-network mental health benefits. I'd encourage you to check with your provider about your out-of-network coverage before we begin.
How is your approach different from other therapists? I take an active role in session rather than sitting back quietly — you'll get real feedback, practical tools, and direct responses to your questions, not just reflective listening. With over 35 years of experience, my goal is to help you see real, tangible movement in your life, not just talk about change.
Schedule a Free Consultation
The goal of Individual Therapy is simple: help you get more out of life. Call today to schedule a free office consultation and get started in the right direction.
Call today to set up a free consultation for more information on
Individual Counseling in Los Angeles
Clinical Member, California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists
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