James Saunders

James Saunders is a psychotherapeutic counsellor who uses a person-centred approach to help adults and young adults (18+) navigate life’s hard moments. He is BACP, which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and NCPS, the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. James draws on personal experience of recovery and career change to offer grounded, empathetic support.

He keeps sessions relaxed and non-judgemental so people can speak freely. James listens closely to understand each person’s story before working with them to find practical ways forward. His background includes time as a volunteer counsellor at Mind and supporting texters at Shout 85258.

James blends person-centred work with elements of cognitive behavioural techniques and psychodynamic ideas where helpful. That means he may help clients notice unhelpful thought patterns, look at past experiences that shape current reactions, and build small practical steps for change. Meditation and recovery practices also inform his style.

His lived experience with anxiety, depression and addiction shapes how he relates to clients. He speaks plainly and shares tools that people can try between sessions. James aims to help people feel steadier, more able to cope, and clearer about next steps.

Sessions are offered to people in the United Kingdom and are conducted in English. He asks new clients to use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to his availability.

How James’ approaches translate to online therapy

James primarily works from a person-centred perspective, which means he focuses on understanding your experience and following your pace. That approach helps with feelings of being stuck, low self-esteem, and the stress of major life changes by creating a calm space to talk.

He also uses cognitive behavioural therapy methods to help identify and change unhelpful thoughts and routines. CBT-style work can be useful for anxiety, depression, cravings in addiction, and practical coping strategies. Psychodynamic ideas may be used to explore how past experiences influence current patterns and relationships, which can help with attachment and longstanding emotional themes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. James will discuss different options and tailor sessions to your goals, needs and preferences. That collaborative process helps people try short experiments between sessions and then adjust the plan based on what works.

The biography mentions online and telephone sessions, but it is best to confirm the exact session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work and family life, cut out travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Telephone sessions can be useful when video is difficult or when a quieter, less visual check-in is preferred.