Alexa James

I bring over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities through the most challenging moments of life. My style is collaborative, warm, and direct — I believe therapy works best when you feel both supported and gently challenged to grow. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and have spent my career at the intersection of clinical practice, leadership, and community care. As a social worker and former nonprofit CEO, I specialize in working with people navigating stress, loss, major transitions, and the weight of expectations. I am especially attuned to the ways systems — family, work, community — impact our mental health, and I help clients find practical strategies for resilience within those realities.

As a social worker and former nonprofit leader, I specialize in working with people navigating stress, loss, major transitions, and the weight of expectations. I am especially attuned to the ways systems — family, work, community — impact our mental health, and I help clients find practical strategies for resilience within those realities.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to listen deeply, name what feels unspoken, and bring compassion without judgment. My approach combines evidence-based practices (like CBT and mindfulness) with a strong belief in the power of storytelling, meaning-making, and humor.

Above all, I want therapy to feel like a space where you don’t have to perform — a place where you can breathe, reflect, and practice new ways of relating to yourself and others.

Our first session is really about getting to know each other and starting to build a foundation of trust. I’ll be curious about what brings you in, what you’re hoping for, and what feels most important right now. You can expect me to ask questions, listen closely, and reflect back what I hear — not to rush into solutions, but to understand your story and how you’ve been carrying it.

I’ll also share a little about how I work, and together we’ll talk about what feels comfortable and useful for you moving forward. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling respected, understood, and with a sense that therapy can be a safe space where you don’t have to hold everything alone.