Psychotherapist, Substance Abuse Counselor , LCSW / CSAC
James Benkard obtained graduate training in clinical social work at the UW-Madison. He also holds a BA in History from Hamilton College, an Associate’s degree in Human Services from Madison College, and a Diploma in Theater Arts from the NCDA in Washington, DC. He has worked with clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar, substance use, autism spectrum, personality, and psychotic disorders, as well as clients with ADHD.
James enjoys working with clients towards achieving greater independence and self-actualization. He views one of the paradoxes of personal growth as how we often need others – family, friends, church, clubs, governmental and non-governmental programs, and other schools of thought – to practice new behaviors and increase our self-reliance.
To that end, James enjoys collaborating with clients on navigating the difficult but often exciting and rewarding journey of behavioral change. He is trained in Dialectical Behavior, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive-Behavioral therapies, and has experience with Psychodrama and Equine therapies.