About me
Do you find yourself drawn to partners who aren’t good for you, or worrying constantly when you don’t hear from someone? Perhaps you lose your sense of self in relationships, struggle to set boundaries, or feel overwhelmed by another person’s needs.
My name is James Crossland, a counsellor and psychotherapist working at Crossway Therapy in Hackney, East London, where I specialise in working with attachment issues, the push and pull between closeness and independence that can make relationships feel confusing or painful. Together, we can explore where these patterns come from and how to develop healthier, more secure connections.
Couples Counselling
Alongside individual therapy, I also work with couples who feel stuck, disconnected or caught in recurring cycles of conflict.
Whether you’re struggling with communication, trust issues, intimacy difficulties, or feel you’ve lost your connection, I offer a calm and balanced space where both partners can be heard.
Childhood Trauma and the Past
Some of the difficulties we experience in adult life have their roots in earlier experiences. Childhood trauma doesn’t always mean obvious abuse, it can also include emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, feeling unseen, or growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment.
These early experiences can shape how we relate to others, how we see ourselves, and how we cope with stress, intimacy and conflict. You may notice patterns such as people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, emotional shutdown, or chronic anxiety without fully understanding why.
In therapy, we can gently explore how your past may be affecting your present at a pace that feels safe and manageable, helping you develop greater self-compassion, emotional regulation and a stronger sense of self.
Creative and High-Pressure Lives
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years as a music producer, performing internationally and working in the creative industries. I understand first-hand the intensity of that world, the burnout, comparison, loneliness and pressure to keep going.
These experiences inform my work with creatives and professionals who live fast-paced lives but often struggle behind the scenes. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters beyond performance or productivity.
Family and Change
Family relationships can be complex, and even as adults we may find ourselves replaying old roles or patterns. If you feel stuck in conflict with family members, or weighed down by expectations, we can work together to understand these dynamics and develop healthier boundaries.
I also support people through life transitions, career loss, mid-life change, relationship endings, and new beginnings. Having navigated major life changes myself, I know that even painful disruption can become an opportunity for growth and renewal.
How I Work
I practise using an integrative framework, beginning with a person-centred foundation and drawing on psychodynamic theory, transactional analysis, and CBT. This allows us to explore both the deeper roots of your difficulties and the practical steps needed for change.
Whether we’re working individually or as a couple, my approach is warm, collaborative and grounded. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, respected and supported.
Common Areas I Work With
Relationship and attachment issues
Couples therapy and communication
Childhood trauma and developmental issues
Low self-esteem and confidence
Anxiety, stress, and depression
Burnout and creative block
Addiction and problematic behaviours
Pornography addiction
Life transitions and mid-life crisis
Family and boundary issues
About Our First Session
Finding the right counsellor can feel daunting, so I offer a free 30-minute consultation, a relaxed conversation where we can explore what’s brought you here and see whether we’re a good fit. There’s no pressure or obligation, just a chance to connect.
What To Do Next
If something in this profile resonates with you, please get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation.
You can email me or call the number at the top of this page. If you don’t hear back within 24 hours, please check your spam folder.
Taking this step can feel daunting, but it’s also a meaningful move toward understanding yourself and creating change. I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a fully Accredited MBACP (Accred) professional integrative counsellor.
I am a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and work within their guidance and ethical framework.
I trained at City Lit College in central London and have a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling: integrative pathway.
I also have a diploma in: Couples Counseling using Systemic Family Therapy and a fully Accredited Diploma in Relationship Counseling.
I have a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) while practicing CBT as an iGCBT Certified CBT Practiitioner alongside a diploma in Transactional Analysis relating to counseling and Psychotherapy.
During my training I dedicated two years as a volunteer with Hackney Headstrong, collaborating with a diverse clientele that included individuals of all ages, races, and sexual orientations.
My professional journey in counseling is now focused on working with adults online and face-to-face, within my private practice.
My experience encompasses a culturally diverse client base, addressing a wide range of issues listed above.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
I provide continuous counseling priced at £60.00 per session.
My approach involves open-ended integrative psychotherapy, and the duration of the therapy will be collaboratively discussed and regularly reviewed as we progress.
Additionally, I offer short-term integrative psychotherapeutic counseling, typically spanning 6-12 sessions.
I also offer walking therapy in the summer months.
When I work
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