the team

James began his path in psychology in 2012 at The University of Washington, where he conducted brain research related to vision and earned a BA in psychology. After a brief break, he earned his MA at City University of Seattle while interning at Valley Cities Behavioral Health. At Valley Cities, James provided individual and family counseling services to a wide range of populations who presented depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma-related issues.

James first became interested in psychology and mental health shortly after high school, in the early 2000’s. His path began at Western Washington University, where he studied for 2 years and began taking psychology-related courses.

Unfortunately, James developed a severe addiction to alcohol and, as a result, had to withdrawal from his courses and entered an outpatient treatment program. This experience marked a significant turning point in his life and prompted an increased respect for mental health awareness.

With much-needed support from friends and family members, James remained sober and returned to school. After several years of intensive study and support, he has been able to share his story with others who struggle with mental illness and integrate his professional and personal experiences into counseling.

As a licensed mental health counselor, James’ primary goal is to provide a supportive environment in which clients may freely express and examine their own mental health concerns. Whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other issues, the goal of treatment is to increase wellbeing, while decrease distress and impairment in functioning.

James uses a variety of techniques and approaches, which are tailored to each individual’s unique personality and situation

Julie Voss

Julie was diagnosed with anxiety and depression during the summer of 2016 and have since been fighting mental health stigmas by bringing awareness on the subject and sharing tips to help people become happier with Hello Peaceful Mind.

Acknowledging I have depression

Here is the thing, my life is good. I have a good full-time job. I have a fantastic husband and a fluffy cat named Toby De Vitto. My photography business is starting to take off. I’m always involved in different projects like writing a novel. I own a house and a car. I also have several groups of friends and hang out with them regularly.

So who was I to be depressed?

People have worse lives than mine. But here is the thing with depression, it can happen to anybody.

It was hard to admit that something was wrong with me. Accepting that I was depressed was like saying that I was a failure.

My husband who is a therapist told me many times that depression is genetic, but for whatever reason, it was hard for me to accept that this mental illness could be biologic, I believed it was all in mind.

Things changed when many articles popped in my news feeds after the discovery of genetic variations linked to depression. After reading the results of the research, I finally understood that some people are more prone to depression than other and I was probably one of them. So I made an appointment with the doctor to find out.

Life on antidepressants

The first thing the doctor said was that I needed to work out at least three hours a week. Not because I gained weight in the past few months, this was another motivation, but to produce the chemicals needed in the brain to reduce depression and anxiety.

Then she added that I needed to take antidepressants. I tried to negotiate no medication but she had a point, there was no way I was going to start working out in the state I was. Let’s face it, I have been “trying” to work out for a couple of years, and with all the projects I have (including Netflix), it quickly went at the bottom of my list.

The medication is supposed to help get the motivation to take action and take care of my mind and life.

My goal is to get better through life changes and therapy so that I no longer need antidepressants.

However, I will take antidepressants as long as it takes. Since I started taking them, I have been happier, less stressed and could focus to make the changes I needed into my life.

Hello Peaceful Mind allows me to share tips and information about what is helping me to have a healthy mind and a happier life!