Dr. James Ruby

Dr. James Ruby is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 22 years of experience based in Hawaii. He works with relationship and family concerns, grief, coping with life changes, stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, parenting, career questions, depression, ADHD, and life purpose. He also addresses caregiver stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, fatherhood issues, and hospice and end-of-life counseling.

James describes counseling as a practical process. He helps people notice how old habits and beliefs influence current choices. He often uses questions, conversation, and short exercises to surface patterns that feel stuck. He may suggest brief between-session work or questionnaires to clarify goals and track progress.

He blends several approaches to suit the matter at hand. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people act on values despite difficult thoughts. Client-centered work focuses on listening and reflecting what matters most to the client. Psychodynamic ideas are sometimes used to look at how past experiences shape present reactions.

Sessions tend to focus on everyday decisions and coping skills, not abstract theory. James aims to help people find clearer ways to handle stress, communicate about relationships, and make choices that fit their values. He also supports those facing life transitions like divorce, bereavement, or career shifts.

He works in English and accepts international clients. If someone is unsure how to begin, he asks them to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session to see if the fit feels right.

How his approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice troublesome thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It is often used for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and questions about purpose. Client-Centered Therapy centers on attentive listening and reflection so the client can clarify what matters and make their own choices. It is useful for people needing clearer decision making or support through change.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss the options and help decide which methods fit the client's goals, needs, and preferences. That decision is made together and can be adjusted as sessions progress.

The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They can also help people keep therapy going while managing work, caregiving, or relocation. Ask about available session lengths and how scheduling works when you complete the matching questionnaire and set up the first session.