James Verdery

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Certified Therapeutic Game Master 

he/him/his

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Acton, MA. I work with children, teens, and adults who struggle to manage their emotions. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed by anger, frustration, confusion, sadness, or loneliness. Despite their best efforts, they often feel as though their emotions are controlling them rather than the other way around. Low self-esteem, anxiety, and difficulty connecting with others can lead to feelings of isolation. My goal is to help clients deepen their understanding of themselves and their emotions while learning practical techniques to manage distress and regain a sense of balance.

My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic principles. With teenagers, and adults, I focus on helping clients build tangible skills in emotional regulation; such as challenging unhelpful thoughts, reducing self-criticism, and practicing grounding and mindfulness strategies. For younger clients, I use play-based therapy to provide a safe, expressive environment that fosters emotional awareness and growth.

I encourage all clients to recognize their unique strengths and inherent resilience, fostering greater self-confidence as they navigate daily life. Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, personality, and preferences, ensuring that therapy feels engaging, relevant, and effective.