James Tee, PhD, PhD, LAc, LMSW

James practices a trauma-informed approach that integrates body, mind, and spirit. He draws on CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamics, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing to support coping, explore root causes, and foster change. He works with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, life transitions, relationships, and aging. Blending Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, James helps clients cultivate inner calm and meaningful transformation.

Born in Malaysia of Chinese descent and raised in a Buddhist context, James immigrated to New Zealand as a teenager. After engineering school, he worked in corporate and environmental policy sectors while earning degrees in business and economics. James later completed a doctorate in experimental psychology and became a neuroscientist. Seeking deeper purpose, he trained in acupuncture—treating veterans at the Manhattan VA—and went on to study substance use counseling, clinical social work, and Christian spirituality. He is currently training in Buddhist contemplative care at the New York Zen Center.

Spiritually, James draws from the teachings of St. Ignatius, St. Teresa of Avila, Buddhism, and Taoism. He has worked with adults across diverse racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds—including secular, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist clients—as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. A longtime New Yorker, he enjoys jazz and spending time at the local dog run.

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

James offers telehealth sessions on weeknights and weekends. To schedule a free 15-minute consultation, email jtee@psinyc.org