Rahul James
Rahul James
(He/him)
Registered Clinical Social Worker, MSW, RCSW (ACSWR #17033)
I believe therapy works best when people feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood. Many of the clients I work with come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship stress, workplace concerns, or the weight of trying to manage too much for too long. My goal is to offer a calm and supportive space where we can slow things down, make sense of what is happening, and work toward meaningful change at a pace that feels manageable.
My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and practical. I draw from a range of evidence-informed approaches, including EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Internal Family Systems/parts work, Somatic Experiencing-informed therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and strength-based counselling. I do not believe therapy has to follow a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, I work with each client to understand what they need, what feels safe, and what will be most helpful for their goals.
I have experience supporting clients with trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, workplace stress, injury-related mental health concerns, and life transitions. I also work with clients navigating WCB-related recovery, where injury, pain, uncertainty, financial pressure, and system stress can deeply affect mental health and day-to-day functioning.
I also support couples who want to improve communication, rebuild trust, and better understand the patterns that keep them feeling disconnected or stuck. My couples work is informed by the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, with a focus on helping partners communicate more clearly, respond to each other with more care, and move toward a stronger sense of connection.
As a BIPOC therapist, I value the importance of culture, identity, belonging, and feeling seen in the therapy room. I aim to create a space where clients do not have to explain away important parts of who they are.
Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy travelling, reading, movies, good food, and quiet time to recharge. I am drawn to work that helps people feel less alone, more grounded, and more connected to their own strengths.
Main Demographics: Individuals (ages 18+), Couples, Families, with BIPOC/cross-cultural clients
Specialties: Trauma and PTSD; Grief and loss; Relationship and couples counselling; Anxiety and depression; Workplace stress and WCB-related recovery; Cross-cultural identity, adjustment, and belonging.
Availability: Wednesday evenings, and select Mondays/Saturdays. Virtual availability as needed.
Email Rahul: rahuljames670@gmail.com
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/rahul-james-red-deer-ab/1166228
