James
Waites
LICSW MSW
About James
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
Issues That James Works With:
Academic and School Problems and Performance
Chronic Pain and Post Surgery Depression
Executive Coaching and Professional Burnout
Panic, Mania and Anxiety Disorders
Long COVID Somatic and Stress Support
Got a question for James? Send an email to [email protected]
SW License: 5628C
We have multiple clinicians availible at Taproot Therapy Collective that treat a wide variety of issues and conditions with training in many techniques and modalities of therapy.
Specialized Counseling for Hoover & Greater Birmingham
We don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Our therapists are trained in multiple modalities to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our core areas of focus include:
Trauma & PTSD Therapy
Heal from the past with proven, brain-based therapies. We specialize in effective treatments for complex and developmental trauma.
Learn MoreAnxiety & Panic Attack Treatment
Regain control from constant worry, social anxiety, or panic. We help you calm your nervous system and find your center.
Learn MoreDepression Counseling
Move beyond just "managing" symptoms. We use depth-based approaches to help you find joy and meaning in your life again.
Learn MoreTherapy for Children & Teens
Compassionate support for children, teens, and families navigating behavioral issues, school stress, and emotional challenges.
Learn MoreADHD & ASD Support
Therapy for neurodivergent clients focused on executive functioning, managing sensory overload, and preventing burnout.
Learn MorePhysician & Professional Burnout
Confidential counseling for high-performance individuals, executives, and medical professionals facing career stress and burnout.
Learn MoreGrief, Loss & Life Transitions
We provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore complex feelings. Our depth-oriented approach helps you integrate powerful emotions, not just control them.
Find Support for GriefChronic Pain & Mind-Body Healing
An injury or surgery is a traumatic event for the nervous system. We use somatic therapies to help your nervous system release stored trauma and break the pain cycle.
Learn About Mind-Body WorkLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
We provide a safe, knowledgeable, and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples to explore identity, relationships, and mental health without fear of judgment.
Learn About Affirming CareAdvanced, Evidence-Based Treatments
We specialize in offering a wide variety of the fastest, most effective treatments for trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Our therapists are trained in multiple modalities, including advanced, brain-based therapies, to create a personalized plan for you. All of our therapists are trained in Brainspotting, a fast and effective treatment for trauma.
Brainspotting
A powerful, focused treatment that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional and body pain, trauma, and anxiety. Learn more...
EMDR
A highly effective, evidence-based therapy for PTSD. EMDR helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing you to move forward. Learn more...
Somatic & Depth Psychology
We integrate body-based therapies like Somatic Experiencing with depth approaches like Jungian Therapy to get to the root of your symptoms, not just manage them. Learn more...
QEEG Brain Mapping
We move beyond subjective guesswork. Our clinic uses objective diagnostics like QEEG Brain Mapping to get a precise, scientific picture of your unique brain function for targeted treatment.
Learn About QEEGHolistic Wellness & Nutrition
We focus on nervous system regulation and complement your health with Meditation training and nutritional support with Hardy Micronutrients.
Explore Holistic OptionsWhen CBT & DBT Aren't Enough
Cognitive (CBT) and Dialectical (DBT) therapies are excellent, skills-based tools. For deep-rooted trauma, we use modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS) that go deeper to heal the underlying wound.
Our Advanced Modalities