Steven James
Steve James is a Muscogee Nation clinical psychologist and educator with extensive experience in Gestalt psychology, death and dying, LGBTQ+ and cultural counseling, and advocacy in professional settings.
Biography
James has spent over 30 years in psychology and clinical mental health counseling, with a focus on Gestalt therapy, LGBTQ+ issues, multicultural counseling, and social justice. He has earned degrees in philosophy and psychology from Dartmouth College and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Union Institute. At Goddard College, where James served as faculty, department co-chair, and Chief Academic Officer, he taught graduate courses in Gestalt Therapy, Cultural Competency, Psychopathology, Advanced Psychotherapy, and Professional Ethics. James's clinical work spans individual, couples, family, and group therapy with diverse populations, especially sexual minority youth and families. He has earned Distinguished Service Awards from two APA Divisions and served as President of both Division 44 (LGBTQ+ Psychology) and Division 45 (Ethnic Minority Psychology).
James has served as a Trustee of the American Psychological Foundation and delivered a number of invited addresses in a wide variety of professional settings, including the Casey Foundation, Yale, Harvard, and the British Psychological Society. His service spirit shows through Peace Corps work in West Africa, volunteer tax preparation with AARP, and a variety of community nonprofit leadership roles. He also enjoys films, gardening, and cooking.
James is a visiting faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Bennington for the 2025-2026 academic year.