James Gilligan , LCSW

James Gilligan holds a Master of Social Work from Florida International University, completed in 1998, and became a licensed social worker in Florida in 2000. As an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he has worked across school, clinical, and military settings to support individuals and families facing complex mental health and relational challenges.

Early in his career he provided individual, group, and family therapy for children within the Miami-Dade County school system. He also treated people with severe mental illness, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression, gaining experience with intensive clinical needs and long-term symptom management.

Since 2007 he has worked with active duty military personnel, focusing on marital concerns, individual therapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and related worries, and addressing issues of domestic violence among service members. He has developed skills in helping people who come from dysfunctional family systems process trauma that continues to affect their adult relationships and parenting.

His clinical work includes treatment for addictions and eating disorders as well as marital counseling, and he has training in Gottman Marriage Counseling. He incorporates multiple therapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and motivational interviewing to support clients in making meaningful changes in their lives.

Evidence-informed approaches for online care

James Gilligan draws on established methods to tailor online therapy to each person's needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns; it is frequently used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal effectiveness, which can be helpful for intense emotions and relationship challenges. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is used to process traumatic memories and reduce the lasting impact of past events, supporting recovery from PTSD and abuse-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences, and presenting concerns. This collaborative stance helps tailor interventions to each client's pace and priorities.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer practical flexibility for people balancing work, family, or geographic constraints. These remote formats allow licensed professionals to provide consistent care and make therapy more accessible for those who prefer or require virtual options.