Counsellor profile
James Saunders, BACP, NCPS
Psychotherapeutic counsellor - addiction and relationship concerns
Continue with JamesAbout
- Client-centred approach
- CBT elements
- Psychodynamic input
About James
James Saunders is a psychotherapeutic counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). He has three years' experience and offers online support for adults and young adults aged 18 and over facing stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship strain, grief and related difficulties.
James speaks plainly about his own recovery from addiction and burnout in the corporate world. That lived experience informs his practical focus on coping with life changes, managing impulses, and rebuilding steadiness after hard times. He mentions work with grief, intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem and family problems among the issues he supports.
His main approach is client-centred therapy, with elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic thinking brought in when useful. Sessions focus on listening, identifying patterns that cause distress, and trying out small changes that can improve daily life. Meditation techniques and experience from 12-step recovery inform his style where relevant.
Before retraining as a counsellor, he worked in high-pressure commercial roles and volunteered with a UK mental health charity and crisis text services. That background shapes a practical, down-to-earth way of working with stress, addiction and career-related strain.
James offers sessions in English to people based in the United Kingdom. He asks new clients to use the site matching process to schedule a first session and to confirm the current online session options before booking.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-centred therapy puts the person's experience first. Online sessions using this approach focus on listening, reflecting and helping someone find their own solutions. It suits people who want a respectful, non-directive space to talk through family strain, loss or life changes.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) concentrates on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Online CBT-style work often involves identifying unhelpful thought patterns and practising small behavioural experiments to reduce anxiety, low mood or addictive habits.
Psychodynamic ideas help spot long-standing patterns rooted in past relationships. Online sessions using this lens can uncover recurring themes that affect current relationships and sense of self.
Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will discuss options with the client and agree what to try based on their needs, goals and preferences. That decision is collaborative and can change over time as progress is reviewed.
The practical benefit of online counselling is fitting sessions into everyday life. It can make it easier to have a shorter check-in around work, reduce travel time and allow regular continuity. The biography mentions online and telephone counselling, but readers should confirm the current session formats before booking. Registered or accredited professionals can offer different setups, so clarifying options helps match therapy to daily routines.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
James works with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression and relationship or family issues, plus related concerns such as grief, self-esteem and career strain.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a client-centred approach and may bring in CBT or psychodynamic ideas when they fit. Sessions aim to listen, identify unhelpful patterns and try practical changes.
How much experience does he have?
He has three years' experience as a practising counsellor and prior experience volunteering with a UK mental health charity and a crisis text service.
What credentials does he hold and where is he based?
He is BACP registered and NCPS accredited, and works with people based in the United Kingdom.
Can he work with people in other countries or languages?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography refers to online and telephone counselling; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
To start, select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.