James Saunders
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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
Helping You Navigate Life's Challenges with Compassion and Expertise
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to make sense of your emotions? Whether you’re facing anxiety, relationship difficulties, addiction, or simply seeking deeper self-understanding, I am here to support you on your journey toward clarity and growth.
As a BACP Registered and NCPS Accredited counsellor, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my practice. Having transitioned from a high-pressure career in e-commerce to counselling, I understand the demands of modern life and the courage it takes to seek support. My goal is to provide a safe, empathetic space where you feel truly heard and supported.
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How I Can Help You
I specialise in working with adults and young adults (18+) experiencing:
- Anxiety and Stress: Overcoming overwhelm and regaining balance.
- Depression and Low Mood: Finding hope and reconnecting with yourself.
- Addiction Recovery: Offering guidance and tools for lasting change.
- Relationship Challenges: Improving communication and understanding.
- Self-Esteem and Confidence: Building a strong sense of self-worth.
- Life Transitions: Adapting to new phases, such as career changes or personal growth.
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My Approach
I work from a person-centred foundation, meaning you are always at the heart of our work together. I also integrate elements from Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. This flexible approach ensures we explore not just what you’re facing, but also the underlying patterns and emotions shaping your experience.
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Why Work With Me?
- Relatable Expertise: My personal journey through anxiety, depression, and addiction recovery has shaped my understanding of the challenges you might face. I combine lived experience with professional training to offer an authentic and empathetic approach.
- Bespoke Support: I adapt my approach to suit your individual needs and goals, ensuring our work together is meaningful and impactful.
- Flexible Options: I offer online therapy sessions, providing accessibility and convenience wherever you are.
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Client Feedback
"Highly recommended. This has been the first time I’ve worked with a therapist or councillor. James has been patient and thoughtful throughout. He has helped me to think about what I want to achieve through therapy and provided me with practical ways to achieve them." – Former Client
Written on Aug 12, 2024 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, and intimacy-related issues.
"James, although early days in my therapy, has helped already. He lets me know with honesty and I trust him" – Former Client
Written on Sep 21, 2024 after therapy with James for 3 weeks on issues concerning parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and ADHD.
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Let’s Begin Your Journey
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but it’s also a powerful act of self-care. Together, we can work through what’s holding you back and move toward a life of greater clarity and fulfilment.
Contact me today to arrange a free initial consultation or to ask any questions about how I can support you.
📧 Email: jamesmsaunderscounselling@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.jamessaunderscounselling.com
Your well-being matters, and I’m here to help. Let’s take the first step together.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications:
- Level 4 CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 5 CPCAB Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Ongoing)
- Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
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
£45.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I am able to offer a limited number of low-cost sessions for counselling students.
When I work
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Flexible scheduling - I’m currently able to offer weekday evening appointments and weekend daytime appointments.
Further information
Flexible and Convenient Therapy Options
- Online Video Sessions: Connect from the privacy and comfort of your home via Google Meet. If you need a change of scenery, sessions can also be conducted on the move using a phone and headphones.
- 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.
