Jessica James, PhD
Dr. James earned an MA in Clinical Psychology from LeTourneau University and her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Birmingham. Resulting from her work in the Center for Human Brain Health, Dr. James’ scholarly publications have focused on developmental trajectories of children and adolescents with conduct problems.
An attachment-focused psychologist, Dr. James helps clients explore the ways that early relational experiences shape how they connect, communicate, and cope in the present. Dr. James believes that healing happens in the context of safe, attuned relationships and strives to create a therapeutic space that fosters trust, emotional safety, and genuine connection. Her work is grounded in affective neuroscience and polyvagal theory which have shown us our fundamental need for connection. Whether there are struggles with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or the lingering impact of adverse childhood experiences, her goal is to walk alongside clients to work collaboratively to help them make sense of their emotional patterns and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Drawing from attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy, and mentalization-based treatment, Dr. James works collaboratively to repair emotional wounds, build secure attachments, and support lasting growth. She believes that together, the client and therapist can co-discover deeper needs beneath life challenges and move toward a more connected, resilient, authentic self.
Main areas of focus include attachment, emotion regulation, pathological narcissism, trauma, mentalizing, developing self-other awareness, personality disorders, parent-child interactions.
Dr. James does not participate with health insurance providers, but is available to take new clients with a self-pay option, including Health Savings Account (HSA). You can reach her directly at: 717.400.9051 or jjames@trumanhealth.org.
“Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the over-wrought heart and bids it break.”
-Shakespeare
