James Rusk , LICSW

James Rusk is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in West Virginia with 17 years of clinical experience working across agency, private practice, and medical settings. He practices from a narrative perspective and integrates principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodynamic ideas to help people make sense of their life stories and the feelings that arise from them. The LICSW credential indicates advanced training and independent clinical practice in social work, which he applies when supporting individuals and families facing a range of concerns.

Rusk emphasizes the importance of meaning making - the ways people interpret past events and imagine their futures - while also attending to how presence in the current moment shapes feelings of competence and well-being. He often guides clients away from struggling against experience and toward willingness to engage with difficult thoughts and emotions, believing that openness is a key step toward change. His work is collaborative - clients are treated as experts on their own lives while he brings therapeutic lenses to illuminate patterns and options without imposing shoulds.

He brings experience helping people with stress and anxiety, family and relationship challenges, grief and coping with life changes, addictions, LGBT concerns, intimacy issues, parenting and self-esteem, career questions, bipolar and depression, and compassion fatigue. James uses narrative, ACT, and psychodynamic-informed approaches with respect and compassion to support people who are ready to explore their inner life and pursue meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

James Rusk draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate actions. ACT emphasizes values-guided behavior and practical steps toward a meaningful life, which can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes.

He also uses client-centered principles that prioritize the client’s own perspective and strengths. This approach focuses on empathetic listening and supporting the client’s autonomy, making it useful for relationship, self-esteem, and grief work.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. James works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as understanding grows and circumstances change.

Online therapy with James is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make scheduling flexible and to increase access for people in different locations. These options allow clients to engage in therapy in ways that suit their lives while still working with a licensed professional focused on practical, evidence-informed tools and compassionate support.