James Flippo earned his master’s degree in counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary and brings a steady, grounded presence to his work with adolescents and their families. He has a particular focus on working with teens who are struggling with behavioral challenges, including defiance, impulsivity, substance use, and other patterns that may be creating conflict at home, school, or in relationships.

In sessions, James helps adolescents slow down and better understand what’s happening beneath their reactions—whether that’s frustration, pressure, anxiety, or disconnection. He creates a space where teens feel respected and heard, while also helping them take responsibility for their choices and develop healthier ways to respond to difficult emotions and situations. His approach balances accountability with empathy, helping young people build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and more constructive decision-making skills.

James draws primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that helps clients build psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, manage difficult thoughts and emotions, and take meaningful action even when life feels challenging. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, ACT helps adolescents learn how to handle them without being controlled by them. This approach has been shown to be effective with anxiety, depression, impulsive behavior, addiction, and other unwanted or disruptive patterns.

ACT is especially helpful for teens who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged, offering practical tools they can use in real-life situations—at school, at home, and with peers. James works collaboratively with adolescents to help them identify intentional actions with the goal towards positive and healthy change. Change that leads them to make choices moving towards improved behavior at home, school, and in relationships. He also partners with parents supporting healthier communication and more effective structure within the family.

For clients who desire to integrate the therapy process from a Christian perspective, James offers thoughtful integration of faith in a way that emphasizes grace, purpose, and personal growth rather than pressure or perfection.

Prior to becoming a counselor, James served five years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and nearly 13 years in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff, working in both patrol and criminal investigations. These experiences give him a unique ability to connect with teens who may be resistant to authority or navigating consequences for their behavior. Along with more than 30 years of marriage and family life, James brings steadiness, respect, and a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face.