Title: Psychotherapist
Company: Private Practice
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
James Wood, PhD, Psychotherapist at Private Practice, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Doctors for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Mental Health Care.
Dr. Wood has dedicated over five decades to the field of psychotherapy, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Los Angeles, California. Since 1991, he has operated a private practice in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, serving clients individually, in groups and within family settings. Dr. Wood is on call six days a week, offering his expertise through in-person sessions, phone calls, and virtual meetings via Zoom. Dr. Wood is best known for fostering a safe and compassionate environment for his patients, where he leads with kindness and encourages them to share their experiences with the understanding that it is essential in their journey toward healing and improvement.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wood has been recognized for his expertise in treating anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, trauma recovery and borderline personality disorder treatments, such as dialectical behavior therapy. As a leader in the mental health sector and a Vietnam veteran, his commitment to helping individuals overcome significant challenges has notably been evident in his work with veterans returning from conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine and the Middle East.
Before establishing his private practice, Dr. Wood worked in the mental health field as a technician in a psychiatric hospital, building upon his psychology degree. Earlier, he gained extensive experience in the military, having served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. Upon returning home, Dr. Wood faced personal challenges but found solace and transformation through 12-step programs. This pivotal period inspired him to pursue a career in psychology, leading him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Dr. Wood’s academic pursuits continued with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from California State University, Northridge, and culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology from the graduate school of psychology at Cambridge University. He further honed his skills with a postdoctoral certificate in psychoanalytic psychotherapy from the Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies. Additionally, Dr. Wood received credentials as a licensed marriage and family therapist and a doctoral addictions counselor.
Adding to his dedication to professional development, Dr. Wood maintains membership with the California State Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. This affiliation allows him to remain abreast of industry trends and network with like-minded individuals.
In addition to his career achievements, Dr. Wood is working to complete a memoir that he anticipates releasing in the fall of 2025. This project will reflect his life’s journey and document the many experiences that have shaped his career and personal life. Although he contemplates retirement, Dr. Wood remains committed to helping others in a meaningful, impactful way.
Dr. Wood attributes his success to a combination of determination and his ability to transform challenges into something productive. For him, adversity signals him to work harder, stay focused and find ways to turn difficult situations into opportunities that benefit everyone involved. Dr. Wood also notes his upbringing, growing up in a small town in Oklahoma as part of a doctor’s family, which was very inspirational.
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