James Saunders, BACP, NCPS

James Saunders is a psychotherapeutic counsellor who uses a person-centred approach to help people work through anxiety, addiction, depression and life changes. He is BACP Registered and NCPS Accredited and offers counselling to adults and young adults aged 18 and over. James draws on his own recovery journey and practical experience to make therapy feel down-to-earth and relevant.

Before training as a counsellor, James worked in high-pressure roles in e-commerce for global brands. That background, and his later recovery from addiction and burnout, shape how he relates to stress, work problems and career shifts. He blends that lived experience with formal training to support people facing similar challenges.

In sessions he listens without judgement and helps clients find their own solutions. He often uses client-centred work alongside elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic ideas when they fit a person’s goals. Meditation techniques and insight from 12-step recovery can be brought in when useful.

James has volunteered with Mind and supported people via text-based crisis services, and he draws on three years of professional counselling experience. His practical focus is on day-to-day coping, self-esteem, relationships, intimacy-related concerns, grief and managing anger.

He works with issues such as attachment and abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, communication problems, substance use, isolation and questions about life purpose. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to the booking process.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person's experience without judgement. It helps people build confidence, explore feelings and find their own solutions through a supportive therapeutic relationship.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) concentrates on the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. It often uses practical strategies and small experiments to reduce anxiety, improve mood or change unhelpful habits.

Psychodynamic therapy looks at patterns that come from past experiences and relationships. It can be useful for people who want to understand recurring difficulties in relationships, attachment or self-worth.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. James will discuss what feels relevant and try different ways of working based on a client’s needs, goals and preferences. That collaboration helps shape sessions as therapy progresses.

Online therapy can fit around busy days, making it easier to schedule sessions without long travel. It can suit people who prefer spoken conversations or who want to combine practical tasks and reflection between meetings. Because session formats are not listed in the original details, please confirm the current session options before booking so you know what to expect.