About Leo

Leo James MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I work from a relational, mindful, person positive perspective with individuals, couples, and families. I help my clients identify strengths and resilience in order to to create a foundation for positive change. I strive to make our time together empowering and collaborative, making space for calm and present mindedness. Through this approach, my hope is to assist you in identifying and gaining ground on your goals and working through the things that have brought you to therapy. It takes courage to reach out, and I hope to celebrate with you the changes you are making. Each of us deserves a meaningful life and satisfying relationships.

If you are seeking Individual Therapy:

Anxiety, depression, or trauma may leave you feeling stuck in your goals and blocked in your healing. I will work with you to discover healthy coping strategies, to reprocess trauma, and even sit in the present with big questions about your place and purpose. In addition to talk therapy, I am trained in both EMDR and Brainspotting (Phase 1).

If you are seeking Relational or Family Therapy:

We need partnerships that are functional and supportive, even inspiring. I will make space for your relationship to move from anxiety to peacefulness, from injury to strengthening one another. We will look to shift interaction patterns from negative to loving and being cared for. I will help you learn how to hear each other’s needs, not to “fix” but to say “I’m here for you.”

In working with families and parents, I believe in person-centered parenting. The goal here is for parents to lead with a strategy so kids can explore their inner and outer world from a courageous, safe place. Lastly, I assist parents in living their generational change, moving from dysfunctional ways of parenting to learning nurturing and affirming ways of being.

AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Depression and Anxiety Management
  • Couples Relational Repair and Healing
  • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples/Families
  • Strengths Based/Strategic Parenting
  • Religious Trauma and Abuse
  • Healing Trauma/Abuse/Neglect from Childhood
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • Brainspotting (Phase 1 Trained)
  • Adult Family Relationships
  • Ambiguous Grief and Loss
  • Support for Transitions and Change
  • LGBTQ+ Allied
  • Mindfulness and Meditation

EDUCATION TRAINING LICENSE & AFFILIATIONS

I am licensed to practice Psychotherapy as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Minnesota. I hold a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. In addition, I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy which helps partners work through relational struggles and assists with relationship/attachment repair. I am also trained in EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as well as Brainspotting (Phase 1) These approaches can help certain individuals in reprocessing trauma as well as heal from other emotional struggles you may bring to therapy. I have been a member of the Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy since 2017.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

For Individual Therapy, I can accept several in-network insurance plans including UCare, Medica, United HealthCare, HealthEZ, Preferred One, Aetna, Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN, Cigna, Hennepin Health and Anthem. I accept Medical Assistance (Medicaid) plans under those companies as well as straight Medical Assistance. At this time, I am unable to accept Employee Assistance Plans (EAP’s). I recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm their coverage for therapy services. For Couples Therapy, I accept private pay. A limited number of sliding fee slots are sometimes available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact me to discuss the best option for you.


HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

**Leo is not taking any new clients at this time due to a full caseload. 

Leo James, MA, LMFT

Leo@centerforcounselingandwellness.com

 RECOMMENDATIONS:

“Leo is a thoughtful and reliable therapist who has the utmost respect for his clients. Leo works hard to create a safe, non-judgmental space conducive for self-exploration and healing.”

“It’s been a blessing learning from your counseling techniques, kindness, patience, and genuine empathy for whoever walks in the doors.”