James Cowart is a psychologist, with a Ph. D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University and an MSW degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. As a part of his training at the University of Michigan, he honed his skills in treating patients using Systematic Desensitization in actual fear-provoking situations (later called Exposure Therapy).

After receiving his PH. D., he was Director of several large, non-profit outpatient clinics and co-founded an anxiety self-help group. In 2000, he established a full time private practice focused on the treatment of anxiety disorders, with or without depression.

For over four decades Dr. Cowart has provided, and supervised others in providing behavioural treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). During the last 20 years, his major emphasis has been on making these evidenced-based treatments more understandable and accessible to those suffering with one or more anxiety disorders.

A part of this work has been to help patients learn anxiety coping skills that will allow them to first make gains, and then maintain them, as they deal more successfully with new problems that may arise in the future. The materials in The ABCS of Coping with Anxiety came directly from this practical and successful work with thousands of patients.