More About the Doctor

As both a military veteran and clinical psychologist, Dr. James Knowles brings a unique perspective to understanding stress, anxiety, fear, and the challenges people face throughout their lives.

After graduating from the Navy's Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training Program with class 106, Dr. Knowles served with Underwater Demolition Team ELEVEN (UDT-11), where his primary responsibility was piloting a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV). His military service took him to several countries, including South Korea, Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines. He received the Good Conduct Award and was honorably discharged from the United States Navy.

His military service and experiences working with people from different cultures strengthened his appreciation for human resilience, individual differences, and the importance of understanding others. These experiences continue to influence his commitment to helping people improve their psychological well-being and quality of life.

Dr. Knowles earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, his master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, and his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, California.

His professional preparation included 8,000 hours of supervised clinical training through practicums and internships before becoming licensed as a clinical psychologist.

With more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice, Dr. Knowles remains dedicated to helping individuals better understand themselves, overcome personal challenges, and achieve meaningful improvements in their lives.

A man with a gray beard wearing a gray cap and a gray long-sleeve shirt holding a fish on a boat with a lake and boat docks in the background.
A man with a gray beard wearing a gray cap and a gray long-sleeve shirt holding a fish on a boat with a lake and boat docks in the background.
A snowy mountain landscape with a smiling man and woman taking a selfie. The man is wearing sunglasses and a black jacket, and the woman has red hair and a blue jacket. There is a wooden signpost in the background that reads 'ELEVATION 11,200 ft 3,475 m'.

A Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle

Dr. Knowles believes that psychological well-being is closely connected to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Adequate sleep, good nutrition, regular physical activity, meaningful relationships, and time for enjoyable activities all contribute to emotional and physical health. He encourages individuals to make self-care a priority while balancing the responsibilities of work, family, and everyday life.

Dr. Knowles practices many of these principles in his own life. Outside his clinical practice, he enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing, golfing, running, and weight training. He particularly enjoys sharing these activities with his wife, family and friends, but also values time spent pursuing individual interests. Whether working on projects at home or simply relaxing, he believes that making time for personal enjoyment and recreation is an important part of maintaining a fulfilling life.

A young man with short hair sitting in a vintage car, looking downward, with a view of part of another person's face and motorcycle nearby.
A young man with short hair sitting in a vintage car, looking downward, with a view of part of another person's face and motorcycle nearby.
Two people in space suits, one smiling and giving a thumbs-up, the other looking at the camera, with a background suggestive of space or a science fiction setting.
Two people in space suits, one smiling and giving a thumbs-up, the other looking at the camera, with a background suggestive of space or a science fiction setting.
A smiling middle-aged man with glasses and a beard sitting in an office with framed certificates and diplomas on the wall behind him.
A smiling middle-aged man with glasses and a beard sitting in an office with framed certificates and diplomas on the wall behind him.
Person surfing a large wave on a surfboard in the ocean
Three men and a boy outdoors in a sunny, rural area with trees and bushes, holding rifles, dressed in camouflage and military-style clothing, with the boy in shorts and a t-shirt, standing together for a photo.
Three men and a boy outdoors in a sunny, rural area with trees and bushes, holding rifles, dressed in camouflage and military-style clothing, with the boy in shorts and a t-shirt, standing together for a photo.
Two men are posing with ski gear on a snowy mountain landscape, wearing helmets and sunglasses, with snow-covered trees and mountains in the background.