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James DeSantis, LCSW

James DeSantis, LCSW

he/him

Licensed in NJ #05844200
Insurances Accepted: Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth
We will work to discover your thoughts and feelings about your circumstances with the ultimate goals of bringing about positive behavioral changes and you gaining control of your own life.

My Therapy Style

My clinical experience has been gained from working with an extremely diverse population of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Depending upon what will be most helpful for you on a individual basis, my approach draws upon the principles of Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as several other therapeutic methods. I believe that the most important aspect of counseling is a positive therapeutic relationship based upon trust, safety, empathy and understanding. In creating such a therapeutic relationship, I employ a person-centered approach designed to give you the power to heal your own life. This is based upon the idea that you are the biggest expert in your life and that I am here to help you uncover the solutions to the issues that are troubling you. I will provide you with unconditional positive regard, which means that we will establish a therapeutic relationship built on understanding, trust, and confidence. When we work together, I will provide you with non-judgmental support while we talk about your thoughts, feelings and issues with the ultimate goal of finding a solution that empowers you to change the things in your life that are bothering you.

Utilizing principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I will empower you to bring about positive changes in your own life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based upon the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are interconnected. When you and I work together, we will problem-solve with the understanding that the key to success is figuring out which areas of your life you want to change. Together, we will explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and come up with positive solutions to meet your related life challenges. We will work to discover your thoughts and feelings about your circumstances with the ultimate goals of bringing about positive behavioral changes and you gaining control of your own life. CBT is a useful tool to deal with a wide variety of issues because it has been clinically shown to help people identify and cope with specific challenges in their lives.

Prior to becoming a therapist, I successfully practiced law for over 10 years. I received my Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Psychological Society, and a non-practicing member of the Federal and State Bars of New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

Education & Training

BA - Psychology, Rutgers University

MSW - Social Work, Rutgers University

Get to Know Me

Why did you become a mental health professional?

I became a mental health professional in order to help people through their challenges and provide them with the tools that will help them to succeed in their lives. Life can be difficult at times. We all face challenges throughout our daily existence. Sometimes issues in our lives become so overwhelming that we need help to sort things out. We normally turn to family or friends for help and support, but sometimes, we need extra assistance to move forward and rise to our greatness.

What are your interests outside of work?

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy playing guitar, watching movies, video games, surfing, hiking, canoeing, biking and all sorts of outdoor sports and activities. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and two young sons.

What is one thing you do daily that supports your well-being?

I am a firm believer in self-care and I utilize mindfulness in all of my day to day affairs while incorporating various practices, such as meditation and relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, setting reasonable and achievable goals, maintaining positive and healthy relationships, as well as maintaining physical health.

What book have you read more than once?

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau is one of my favorite books because I feel that it is a masterpiece of spiritual, physical, and transcendential exploration of the human condition and its relationship to nature.

How do you recharge?

I am a firm believer in self-care and I utilize mindfulness in all of my day to day affairs while incorporating various practices, such as meditation and relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, setting reasonable and achievable goals, maintaining positive and healthy relationships, as well as maintaining physical health.

Do you have any pets?

I am an animal lover and have always had dogs and cats in my life who tend to live long and healthy lives. My first dog, who I grew up with as a child, lived for 21 years, and my second dog lived for 19 years! My first cat also lived for 19 years! Presently I have two 8 year-old cats, Emma and Frankie, who were adopted from the same litter and we are planning to adopt a dog in the near future. Fun fact: During my undergraduate years, I minored in Biology and worked with marine mammals such as dolphins, beluga whales, seals and sea lions at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island. I also loved feeding the sharks and would sneak over to their tanks whenever I got the chance.