James Saunders
check_circle Verified
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
Everything starts with our relationship: My work is person-centred at heart, so you set the pace, nothing is pushed, and you won’t be analysed or judged. I aim to offer a space where you don’t have to perform, impress or look after anyone else.
Within that relationship, I draw on a few ways of working:
- Parts work (informed by Transactional Analysis and IFS): We get curious about the different parts of you, such as the critic, the people-pleaser and the part that’s simply tired. The aim is to understand them rather than fight them.
- Compassion-focused therapy: We build a warmer, steadier way of relating to yourself, especially when things go wrong.
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): We loosen the grip of difficult thoughts and feelings, so you can move towards what matters to you rather than away from what you fear.
This isn’t a fixed programme. Some sessions we’ll simply talk. In others we might try something more experiential, but only if and when it feels right to you. I’m not directive, but I am engaged and honest, and I’ll gently challenge when it feels helpful.
_____________________________________________
What Clients Say
- “Immediately I felt very comfortable with James. I feel completely able to just be myself and actually speak honestly without holding back. Its been a crutch for a very turbulent time of my life, and useful to have someone highlighting my progress whilst also helping me remain accountable.”
-
“Although early days, James has already helped me. He speaks honestly and I trust him.”
- “Highly recommended. This has been the first time I’ve worked with a therapist. James has been patient and thoughtful throughout and helped me think about what I want to achieve through therapy, with practical ways to do that.”
_____________________________________________
Is This The Right Fit?
I may not be the best fit if you’re mainly looking for career coaching or work-focused support. If you’re in crisis and need immediate help, please contact your GP, NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health) or Samaritans on 116 123.
_____________________________________________
Taking The First Step
Reaching out can feel hard, especially if you’re used to managing everything on your own.
I offer a free, no-obligation introductory call where you can tell me a little about what’s bringing you to counselling, ask any questions, and get a sense of whether we’d work well together.
Sessions are online by video, on Monday to Thursday evenings, weekly or fortnightly, at £50 for 50 minutes.
📧 Email: james@jamessaunderscounselling.com
🌐 Website: www.jamessaunderscounselling.com
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications:
- Level 5 CPCAB Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
- Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Continual Development: I regularly engage in professional training to stay informed of the latest therapeutic approaches and ensure the highest standard of care:
- Trauma-Informed Practice - Principles and Foundations
- Delivering Substance Use Brief Interventions for Adults
- Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Experience: Four years combined experience supporting individuals at the UK mental health charity MIND, supporting texters in crisis at UK mental health text service SHOUT, and supporting clients through my own private counselling practice.
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.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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.
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
£50.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I am able to offer a limited number of low-cost sessions for trainee counsellors and students.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
6PM & 7:30PM Slots, Monday-Thursday
Further information
Flexible and Convenient Therapy Options
- Online Video Sessions: Connect from the privacy and comfort of your home via Google Meet.
- Phone Sessions: Ideal for those who prefer or need an audio-only option. Phone sessions offer flexibility and can be combined with face-to-face or video sessions for continuity.
