James M. Piiparinen

About James M. Piiparinen

James Piiparinen is an LPC-MHSP, with an MA from Harding University. James takes an eclectic approach to therapy based on his background. For little over a decade, James was an English teacher starting as Peace Corps Volunteer in Zimbabwe before coming back to the states and earning a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi in the Mississippi Teacher Corps.  As a result, James uses a lot of psychoeducation in his therapy, with a focus on helping people develop their emotional intelligence by helping his patients to normalize their emotions and understand what they are often feeling is a normal response to an abnormal situation.  

During this period of teaching, James received an M.F.A in Poetry from University of Mississippi. This knowledge is something he uses to conceptualize cases as stories looking for common themes and patterns of behavior in people’s lives.  He is also an advocate for helping patients to understand how to find their voice to express their reality and be able to frame their emotions and thoughts in ways that help them to be able to process the events in their lives. 

Lastly, with his MA in Counseling, he has attempted to study various therapeutic guidelines and practices.  He has spent over ten years helping people with anxiety, depression, trauma and other issues they have encountered.  During this time, he has learned that, while he has a wealth of knowledge, his patients often know themselves best and need help starting with the place they are at in their mental health journey. 

His personal interest includes reading, writing, cooking, playing video games, and playing DND as both a player and a gamemaster. 

Services

James offers both in-person and virtual appointments to fit your needs. He works nights and all-day Saturday.  He is accepting new patients ages 10 and above for individual or family therapy. He is also trying to create two skills groups on Saturday using DND, which would include separate sessions for adults and adolescents.   His approach is collaborative and nonjudgmental.  His approach often includes processing life events to better understand how to help. He uses Narrative Therapy, CBT, and DBT among other therapies. He is a certified therapeutic game master.  He is trained in TF-CBT, DBT, and EMDR.

Area of Clinical Emphasis

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief/Loss
• Abuse & Trauma
• ADHD
• Self-Esteem
• College, Young Adult, Career, and Retirement Transitions

  What to Expect from James 

• Prompt scheduling availability, including telehealth and in-person sessions
• A personalized, collaborative treatment approach tailored to each individual
• Devotion to client growth and the highest standards of confidentiality
• A practice grounded in compassion, professionalism, and results