James McLintock LMFT

Make sure that clients are feeling a sense of empathy, grace, and mercy. Slow things down. Take a step back. Build trust. Create a teamwork approach to counseling. Help clients stabilize, heal, see the light of hope again, and then reload and relaunch. No matter where my clients are in their journey, I like to meet them right where they are at—and become that one person on this planet with whom they can talk to—where they can feel listened to.

I view therapy as helping the client with their relationship to themselves and helping the client with their relationship to others. Sometimes there is no quick fix to healing or growth. Some people are having a really bad season in life and are seeking counseling to find relief. Some people are struggling with having a bad day. Others have more profound concerns that are causing a deep sense of heartache and confusion. Everyone’s journey is unique. The clients who work with me have wounds--and they also have will. Good therapy can dig things up--and good therapy gives the client a new road map of hope, healing, and future to consider. If I just had a magic wand to make things better. But I don’t. What I do have is a heart—and I care. And I have a pretty good track record with my clients. Sometimes getting better takes a little time—but I am close (just a phone call away)—and I am concerned.

• California, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 114137

My parents were veterans of World War II and the Korean War, and I like to recognize them first when I introduce myself to clients. I was born at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and raised in North Coastal San Diego County, and I grew up enjoying the outdoor recreation, aquatic and equestrian opportunities that were available for military families. With strong aquatic and lifeguard backgrounds—and a passion to be of service to those in need—I became a career Ocean Lifeguard, Ocean Lifeguard Supervisor, and Emergency Medical Technician for the San Clemente Department of Marine Safety. I graduated from Santa Ana Fire Academy, and also became a career Senior Master Advanced Police Officer / Field Training Officer for the Anaheim Police Department. Many of my police teammates served as reserves in the military and were called to active duty for the post-911 wars in the Middle East. Some died serving our country in honor. Others returned home, negatively impacted by the atrocities of war and were mere shells of their former selves. I watched as PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trauma, suicidal thoughts, homicidal feelings, pain medication addictions, and divorces began to take their toll on my once-thriving coworkers. Although encouraged to attend counseling, these great American heroes could not find therapists who had cultural competency with emergency responder or military professionals. I decided to bridge this gap and become the counselor who had actual hands on, street credibility. I attended Azusa Pacific University’s Behavioral Sciences Program and earned an M.A. with Honors in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2008, I have worked on a number of clinical teams and addiction treatment clinics in California. I am a key-note speaker for emergency responders and military organizations throughout the United States and the author of CopPsych and FirePsych mental wellness publications. I have a thriving private practice and enjoy providing world class therapy for adults throughout California. My theoretical orientations include Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Talk Therapy, Motivational Interview Therapy, and “let’s sit down over a cup of coffee and talk” therapy. I am a clinical psychology supervisor for interning therapists, and I provide test taking strategies for clinicians who are preparing for the California Board of Behavioral Science licensing exam. I also enjoy counseling students attending clinical psychology graduate programs as part of their personal therapy requirements. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, I treat trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, divorce, anger, stress, social isolation, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, addictions, and employment transitions. When I'm not at work, I enjoy a variety of outdoor sports and activities including surfing, body-surfing, competitive beach volleyball, horse and cattle drives in the Eastern High Sierra’s, hiking with his cattle dog ‘Prairie’, laughing with his friends and family, camping, road trips across the USA, family reunions in Ohio—or the simplicity of some downtime with a cup of coffee. I am honored to have worked alongside some of best medical and psychological wellness teams on the planet. While I specialize in working with emergency responders and military professionals, I also work with adults from other walks in life. I love being a therapist and It would be a privilege to work with you!