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Dr. James Geidner

Dr. James Geidner

LCPC, LPC

Experienced trauma-informed clinician and counselor

Continue with James Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Attachment work
  • CBT and DBT tools

About James

Dr. James Geidner brings over 20 years of clinical experience to his therapy work. He holds LCPC and LPC credentials and practices in Michigan. He practices Trauma-Focused Therapy among other approaches and aims to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship struggles, and parenting challenges.

He has worked in psychiatric rehabilitation, child treatment centers, universities, and private practice. He also teaches as a Professor of Health and Counseling. That mix of clinical and academic work informs his plainspoken style in sessions.

In the therapy room he focuses on matching treatment to what each person needs. He uses methods such as attachment-based work, client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral tools, and skills from dialectical behavior therapy. Sessions involve talking through problems, practicing coping skills, and trying strategies between meetings.

People often come with concerns like grief, addiction, sleep problems, anger, low self-esteem, or life changes. He also addresses more specific areas such as attachment issues, adoption and foster care, codependency, and dissociation. He frames goals in everyday terms and keeps steps practical.

His background as a clinical supervisor at hospitals and universities contributes to a structured, informed approach. New clients are invited to describe what matters to them first, and then work together to choose the best methods and next steps.

How therapeutic approaches translate online

Trauma-Focused Therapy is a focused way of addressing traumatic experiences and their effects. It often involves helping someone process distressing memories, learn grounding and coping skills, and gradually reduce the hold of traumatic reminders. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in close relationships and how early bonds shape current connection and trust; it helps people notice interactions and practice different ways of relating. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes being heard and understood first, with the therapist following the person's lead and reflecting what matters most to them.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, symptoms, and preferences. That choice can shift as progress is made, and sessions may combine elements from several approaches.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They can also let someone work in a quieter setting, or choose a phone session when bandwidth is limited. Licensed professionals adapt techniques like skills training, narrative work, and grounding exercises so they can be used effectively in remote sessions.

These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing trauma-focused therapy does not mean a therapist holds a specific certification such as TF-CBT, EMDR or CPT.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHearing impairedImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Jungian TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin

Languages

English

Licenses listed

  • LCPC, Illinois180.004316
  • LPC, Michigan6401013709
  • LPC, Wisconsin3788-125
  • NPI1083883128

As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he help with?

He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting challenges, addiction, grief, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem struggles, career changes, ADHD, and related concerns.

What is his therapeutic style?

He focuses on matching methods to each person's needs and uses clear, practical steps. Sessions combine listening, skill practice, and goal setting.

What is his background and experience?

He has 20 years of clinical experience across psychiatric rehabilitation, child treatment centers, universities, and private practice, and has served as a clinical supervisor.

What credentials and location are listed?

He holds LCPC and LPC credentials and is based in Michigan with academic and clinical roles in higher education and practice.

Which languages and international work are supported?

Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How are costs handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication; a doctor can talk with you about medical options. This directory is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988.

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