James Roembke, Psy.D

I’d like to suggest that the work of psychotherapy isn’t as mysterious as so many make it out to be. At the end of the day, psychotherapy is a relationship. Fundamentally, it’s no more baffling than why a guy wants to throw a ball with a buddy, why a woman wants to have coffee with a trusted confidant and why young ones want to have a “friend over.” The mystery isn’t the endeavor; the mystery is what happens as a result. And yes, that indeed is a mystery. After more than 20 years of being with folks in this work, it is surprising that it continues to amaze me, but it does. The relationship which is psychotherapy, if we attend to it, nurture it, make sense of it does in fact do something mysterious, dare I say miraculous in us.

Jim is a licensed psychologist registered in the state of Maryland where he resides and practices. He is a graduate of Biola University in Southern California where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Psychology and a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. In addition to his psychological training, he also has an undergraduate degree in Theology and has done extensive graduate coursework in applied theological studies. Throughout his tenure he has worked as a psychologist in hospitals, clinics and private practices. He is listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology affirming both his education and experience as one who can be trusted professionally.

Jim practices psychodynamic therapy which means that he seeks to understand people through the lens of human development, the individual’s unique history and with particular focus on their relational style observed through the therapeutic encounter. Together these form a unique and personal “fingerprint” which guide Jim and the patient to grow in self-understanding and ultimately to live more freely. Jim has particular interest in working with people involved in ministry and religious work and has worked with pastors, priests, seminarians and Christian workers of all stripes to develop a healthier way of living out their vocations. He loves training new professionals and has given leadership to the Internship program at Vital Sources since its inception.

Jim is a long-time resident of the Washington, D.C. area and has always considered it his home. After a series of moves for education and work, he and his wife chose to return to the mid-Atlantic and selected the serene Frederick community as home. Jim believes that the core of who he is can be best understood through his relationship with God, which has served as a strong anchor for him both personally and professionally. In his free time, he enjoys reading works of literature on theology and the spiritual life. He holds a quiet passion for architecture and spatial design and has worked to create a home for the Vital Sources community that he leads. He is very happily married, has three engaging sons, two wonderful daughters by marriage and four granddaughters who have stolen his heart.