James combines personal counseling with clinical hypnosis and other evidence-informed, short-term methods — chosen for you, not from a script.
A steady, compassionate place to sort through what’s weighing on you — anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief, or a life transition — and to build practical skills for handling it. With five decades of experience, James meets you where you are and keeps the work focused on your goals.
Hypnosis uses focused attention and deep relaxation to help you access the power of your own mind — to calm the body’s stress response, change habits, manage pain and rehearse new ways of responding. Because it often works in fewer sessions, it can also be the more economical choice.
You’ll also learn self-hypnosis, so the benefits travel home with you.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a structured therapy for trauma and distressing memories. It helps the brain process difficult experiences so they lose their grip on the present.
Gentle, body-based techniques that pair focused attention with tapping sequences, used for anxiety, fears, cravings and emotional distress.
Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management and experienced in disaster mental health with the American Red Cross, James helps individuals recover from sudden, overwhelming events.
Prefer to meet from home? Sessions are available over Zoom on request, serving clients across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Not sure if what you’re facing is on the list? Call and ask — this is a starting point, not the whole picture.
A hypnosis session begins with conversation about your goals. Then you’ll be guided to settle into a comfortable place in your mind and to picture the change you want. In that relaxed, concentrated state, specific suggestions and new solutions land more easily.
Most people describe highly focused attention, deep relaxation, and staying alert the whole time. Afterwards you’ll feel calm and clear-headed — ready to drive home or get back to your day.
Myths and facts about hypnosisFees and insurance questions are covered during your free phone consultation, so you’ll know exactly where you stand before your first visit. Call (815) 847-6651.
It depends on what you’re working on. James’s focus is short-term therapy, and clinical hypnosis often means fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy alone. You’ll discuss a realistic plan at the start.
Yes. Sessions are available over Zoom for clients anywhere in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. In-person sessions are at 6072 Brynwood Drive in Rockford.
Most people can experience hypnosis to some degree, and it’s a skill that tends to improve with practice. If hypnosis isn’t the right fit, counseling and other techniques are always part of the toolkit.
Clinical hypnosis is a natural, relaxed state of focused attention. You remain aware and in control the whole time, and you can stop at any point. Read more on the Understanding Hypnosis page.
Yes. The initial phone consultation is free and carries no obligation.
Call to talk through what’s going on and whether working together makes sense. There’s no cost and no obligation.