James DiPasquale is a talk therapist-in-training and clinical MSW candidate at Stony Brook University. Domained as an outspoken queer writer & intersectional abolitionist, James’ therapeutic approach aims to search for the second meaning behind our condition. His approach is centered on disarming heteronormative and racist narratives, while building space for emotional liberation. As he is aware of his queer and privileged identity, James acknowledges that the healing process is not neutral.

After his transition from finance to therapy, James approaches his work as both an anti-racist and social justice-informed healer. James draws from his community mental health experience with marginalized identities and seeds his passion for holistic and affirmative healing. As an apprentice and advocacy ambassador for NAMI-NYC, James draws from his trauma-informed, evidence-based counseling with oppressed populations navigating serious mental illness, grief, suicidality, family conflict, and systemic barriers. While connecting peers and caregivers to a wide network of clinical, legal, and community resources, James’ central tenets root in decolonizing the supremacist and eurocentric views of classical therapy.

External to his clinical training, James is currently undergoing publication for research exploring mental health equity among racially marginalized LGBTQ+ populations. With a focus on structural and cultural determinants, he is also in progress for publication on the epidemic of loneliness. 

At Root Salve Wellness, James incorporates his queerness to a multi-racial comrade space for greater therapeutic transformation. Instead of “selling” his experience, James softly invites you to explore this space. You’re encouraged to come as you are and construct liberation at your own pace, on your own terms.