• Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) #141901

  • Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) #14724

    Supervised by Cristal Cunningham, LMFT #120101

    Member: CAMFT, SFV-CAMFT, AAMFT, CAPCC, Yoga Alliance, SAG-AFTRA

I prioritize building a compassionate, collaborative, non-judgmental, non-hierarchical, therapeutic connection with clients to support them in fostering a healthier, more compassionate connection with themselves, their nervous system, and others. By bringing radical genuineness and, when appropriate, a sense of humor to the serious task of healing, I allow and encourage clients to embrace their authentic selves. I offer a blend of Southern warmth, New York directness, and West Coast vibes, and I am firmly rooted in Intersectional Feminism, Sex Positive, and a Queer Ally. As a former performing artist, I have unique insight into the challenges faced by creative professionals.

In my earlier professional life, I was a performing violinist and music educator and witnessed firsthand what research supports: strong rapport and safe emotional connection are the richest soil for learning, artistic development, and healing. My work as a music and yoga educator has always included offering skills for clients to improve their relationships with their thoughts, emotions, and bodies, as well as their families, partners, friends, and community. After many years as a performer, educator, and parent, I felt the pull to bring my skills and life experience to the mental health field.

About Patti James

Education

  • MA in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

  • BA in Music & German, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY

  • Yoga Therapy Levels I & II, Loyola Marymount University Extension

  • Completed coursework for MA in Musicology, Smith College, Northampton, MA

Clinical Training

  • Jump Start DBT Foundational Training with Shari Manning, Treatment Implementation Collaborative

  • Improving Skills in Conducting Chain Analysis with Shari Manning, Treatment Implementation Collaborative

  • DBT Skills Training with Marsha Linehan,

  • EMDR Parts I & II with Stephen Dansiger and Roshni Chabra, Institute for Creative Mindfulness

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy-Level I

  • Southern California Counseling Center Clinical Training Program-Los Angeles, CA

  • Community Resilience Model