About
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I became a psychotherapist because I believe meaningful change happens when we have a place where we can be fully ourselves: not performing, not trying to get it right, and not having to hide the parts of our experience that feel complicated or difficult to explain.
For three decades, I've had the privilege of working with individuals and couples through anxiety, relationship struggles, perfectionism, identity, grief, major life transitions, and the deeper questions that can arise when the life we've created no longer feels like the life we want to be living. My approach is warm, engaged, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgment. I don't see therapy as something I do to you. It's something we create together. My work has been shaped by training in psychology, couples therapy, mindfulness, experiential psychotherapy, and Hakomi, as well as years of teaching, advocacy, and leading retreats at places like Esalen Institute. But some of the most important things I've learned haven't come from a textbook. They've come from sitting with people as they take the risk of being more honest with themselves, challenge old patterns, repair important relationships, and discover that growth doesn't require becoming someone else. I believe therapy is ultimately about becoming more fully who you already are. If you're considering working with me, I invite you to explore my background, my approach, and the resources I've created throughout this site. Finding the right therapist is deeply personal. What matters most is finding someone with whom you feel safe enough to be real. |
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Professional Leadership
I've served on the boards of organizations advancing psychotherapy, relationships, and LGBTQ+ mental health, including:
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)
American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT-CA)
The Psychotherapist Association for Gender & Sexual Diversity (Gaylesta)
I've served on the boards of organizations advancing psychotherapy, relationships, and LGBTQ+ mental health, including:
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)
American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT-CA)
The Psychotherapist Association for Gender & Sexual Diversity (Gaylesta)
My Story
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Advocacy & Public Policy
U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. Advocated for LMFTs in MediCare & Veteran's Administration California State Capitol Testified in support of California's conversion therapy ban, Senate Bill 1172 U.S. Supreme Court Filed amicus brief in United States v. Windsor, Hollingsworth v. Perry, Obergefell v. Hodges Federal Courts of Appeals Filed amicus briefs supporting California Senate Bill 1172 and New Jersey Law A3371 |
Media & Television
BravoTV's Shahs of Sunset, Season 7 Awestruck's Digital Series "Fix Our Friendship" VICE Documentary FOX 5 News - Las Vegas CBS News - Los Angeles Al Jazeera News CTV News - Canada TV 2 Denmark - National Broadcast Station in Scandinavia Yahoo News Oprah Winfrey Network - Lisa Ling, "Our America" KPFA Radio Take Two Radio - Los Angeles Cambridge Educational Video |
Publications
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I believe psychotherapy doesn't happen in isolation from the world we live in.
Sometimes caring for people's well-being also means advocating for the conditions
that allow them to live more freely and fully.
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I have known and worked with James for many years -- we were in a peer consultation group together where I was always impressed with his helpful and insightful comments. Plus he and I co-led eight retreats at Esalen — it was an honor to work with him, and see his skill in interacting with our workshop participants. I highly recommend James as a therapist!
Rik Isensee, LCSW
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I worked with James at a queer youth development organization where he provided individual counseling services to youth who requested them. In addition to providing one-on-one therapy, James spent some time each week in our communal spaces, giving all the youth participants opportunities to get to know him. The goal was to enhance the youths' level of comfort with James so they would be willing to request therapy if needed.
I had the opportunity to observe James interacting with youth participants many times. I was struck by the kindness, gentleness and respect he showed to everyone he interacted with. James is a lovely human being and a highly-skilled therapist.
I also learned that James is also a warrior who fights the abuse of conversion therapy. I think we all felt safer knowing that he was fighting for our right to be ourselves. James was beloved by both the youth participants and staff of our organization.
I had the opportunity to observe James interacting with youth participants many times. I was struck by the kindness, gentleness and respect he showed to everyone he interacted with. James is a lovely human being and a highly-skilled therapist.
I also learned that James is also a warrior who fights the abuse of conversion therapy. I think we all felt safer knowing that he was fighting for our right to be ourselves. James was beloved by both the youth participants and staff of our organization.
Melissa White
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I've had the pleasure of knowing James for nearly 20 years. He's a talented and skillful therapist who provides a compassionate and client-centered approach to support his clients' growth. His commitment to seeing his clients thrive is his first priority and that's felt throughout the journey. His commitment goes beyond his practice and can be seen consistently in the LGBTQ community as he's an advocate. I highly recommend James as a therapist for anyone looking to increase their understanding about themselves in a deep and meaningful way.
Pedro Arista
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I have known James for nearly 20 years as we trained in Hakomi together in Marin County. James is one of the most down-to-earth, compassionate and intuitive men I have known. Over the years I have referred many clients to him, trusting that they would be in excellent hands. Working with this grounded thoughtful therapist will truly change your life.
Marti Elvebak, LMFT, CHT
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I have worked with James a number of times on Different projects. For one, he has come to our POZ Life Weekend Seminars and presented on an array of different topic's which provided inspiration and emotional growth for our clients living with HIV. He continues to receive some of the highest reviews on evaluations from all whom participate in the workshops. He has also served as a clinical consultant during our workshops and been available to assist with case conferences providing our Emotional Support Facilitators with a great source of support. The Life Group LA is honored to have James as a valuable resource in helping us reach our agency mission and goals.
Sunnie Rose
Executive Director & Founder / The Life Group LA
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I have worked with James as a colleague in the field of Marriage & Family Therapy and on the Board of Directors for the California Division of the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT-CA). During my position as President-Elect for the Board of AAMFT-CA, I witnessed James to be a strong leader and voice in the field of Marriage & Family Therapy. James is a tremendous advocate in the LGBTQ community in California. I have consulted with James on cases and referrals for clients, as well as worked with him on several projects in the field. In all of these areas, I have found James to be extremely helpful, kind and supportive.
James was also an invited speaker at the SDA Kinship International Annual Meeting in July 2015. During that time I served as Vice-President of the Board of Directors of SDA Kinship and heard nothing, but positive reactions from attendees at the event, who greatly appreciated James's presentation on the issues of mental health and well-being. I highly recommend James Guay and his work as a psychotherapist, speaker, advocate and leader in the community.
James was also an invited speaker at the SDA Kinship International Annual Meeting in July 2015. During that time I served as Vice-President of the Board of Directors of SDA Kinship and heard nothing, but positive reactions from attendees at the event, who greatly appreciated James's presentation on the issues of mental health and well-being. I highly recommend James Guay and his work as a psychotherapist, speaker, advocate and leader in the community.
Naveen Jonathan, PhD, LMFT
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Sometimes the deepest kind of growth isn't becoming someone new.
It's coming home to more of who you already are.
It's coming home to more of who you already are.
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Recognitions & Accomplishments
The Psychotherapist Association for Gender & Sexual Diversity (Gaylesta) Agent of Change Award Volunteer of the Year Award National Center for Lesbian Rights Co-Chair of the #BornPerfect Advisory Committee Equality California Honorary Guest for work on California Senate Bill 1172 NCAA Gymnastics Championships All-American for UC Berkeley Gymnastics Team 3rd Place, Parallel Bars Nissen Emery Award Nominee Co-Captain, UC Berkeley Gymnastics Team USA Gymnastics Championships Elite Division Competitor |
Teaching
Esalen Institute (8 annual weekend workshops) Gay Men Thriving! (Various topics including Midlife, Sex, Love & Relationships) Heartfelt Wisdom: Quieting the Mind, Listening to the Heart JFK University, School of Holistic Studies & CEU Department Queer Consciousness Series Certification Seminar on Healing from Heterosexism and Sexual Discrimination |
Mental Health & Relationship Resources
Whether you're looking for support with relationships, anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, self-acceptance, or simply want to understand yourself more deeply, I've created tools and reflections to help you gain perspective and create meaningful change.
Explore mental health resources, relationship resources, and therapist-written articles at your own pace.
Explore mental health resources, relationship resources, and therapist-written articles at your own pace.
Advocacy
Gymnastics
Education
Hakomi Institute of California
Professional Skills Training, Re-Creating the Self Training, Working with Trauma Training,
Character Strategy Training, Experiential Therapy with Couples Training
Couples Institute
Relationship & Couples Therapy Training
San Francisco State University
Master of Science in Counseling
Marriage, Family & Child Counseling and Gerontology Specializations
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Hakomi Institute of California
Professional Skills Training, Re-Creating the Self Training, Working with Trauma Training,
Character Strategy Training, Experiential Therapy with Couples Training
Couples Institute
Relationship & Couples Therapy Training
San Francisco State University
Master of Science in Counseling
Marriage, Family & Child Counseling and Gerontology Specializations
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology