James Waites LICSW MSW

James intimately understands the immense toll that long hours, complex responsibilities, and
the ability to analyze and anticipate complex systems can take on physicians and executive
leaders. Working across various sectors of healthcare and business administration has provided
James with first-hand insight into the unique challenges these professionals face. James has
witnessed how burnout and fatigue can insidiously undermine mental health and overall well-
being of highly skilled professionals.

James offers a dual-pronged approach to care. James leverages evidence-based mental health
interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused
counseling to equip clients with the coping strategies and resilience needed to thrive amid
adversity. Simultaneously, he provides practical, real-world solutions tailored to the unique
contexts of medicine and business operations.

James collaborates closely with clients to develop sustainable workflows, implement self-care
routines, delineate responsibilities, and cultivate supportive cultures. His care goes beyond
supportive counseling, behavioral therapy and symptom management. Instead James’s
approach addresses the systemic factors that enable burnout at the root.

James also has extensive training and experience in treating complex trauma and dissociative
disorders. Many individuals struggling with high-stress careers or executive roles may also be
carrying unresolved traumatic experiences that can manifest in dissociative symptoms. James
provides specialized care for patients experiencing conditions like dissociative identity disorder
(DID) and other personality, mood and dissociative disorders.

His trauma-informed approach, utilizing Brainspotting therapy, allows him to carefully navigate
the intricacies of complex trauma and dissociation. James creates a safe, validating space for
these patients to process traumatic memories, regain their sense of self, and develop internal
communication and collaboration between dissociated parts. Whether treating a high-powered
executive or front-line healthcare worker, he remains attuned to potential underlying traumatic
impacts. James competence spans the full spectrum of burnout, workplace stress, and
complex post-traumatic challenges.

As a Birmingham native and graduate of the University of Alabama (B.A. Psychology), James
has been serving the local community’s mental health needs since 2015. His expertise includes
Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, DBT, and Brainspotting. James’ specialized training from internships and supervision covers developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, severe emotional disturbances in children/adolescents, crisis
intervention, suicide prevention, and stabilizing patients at risk of psychiatric hospitalization.
James’s passion lies in helping Birmingham’s young adults, couples, academics, physicians,
nurses, and other healthcare providers overcome complex trauma and combat burnout.

Having worked extensively with med students, residents, social workers and front-line staff at
UAB Hospital, James witnessed firsthand the toll their demanding roles take. His
compassionate, client-centered approach empowers doctors, nurses, clinicians and other
professionals to regain control, build resilience and achieve overall well-being.
To learn more about James; burnout counseling services in Birmingham, Alabama, call to
schedule an appointment today.

James’s Specialties

○Burnout and Support for Doctors and MDs ○Executive Coaching ○Brainspotting   ○Psychotherapy for Medical Professionals ○Existential Therapy ○Therapy for Clergy and Community Leaders ○ Therapy for Physicians ○Emotional Wellbeing ○ Therapy for Med Students ○Therapy for Academics ○ Career Coaching  

Got a question for James? Send an email to [email protected]

SW License: 5628C