James York
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am a qualified counsellor who offers an integrative approach to my way of working. I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).
Many of us seek access to counselling in order to help us overcome a specific issue we feel we are experiencing.
At times, my experience is that people often feel their own issues are too small to access help and support; nothing is ever too small if you feel it is impacting upon you.
Perhaps you feel lonely, have experience of a loss or bereavement. You may feel low in mood or depressed. Many of us experience anxiety or panic in certain situations, or when thinking about our past or the future. Perhaps you experience fears or trauma, low self-esteem or low self-confidence. You may be struggling with work, or struggling to be more assertive with those around you. You may find yourself replaying awkward or difficult moments over and over in your mind, impacting on your sleep, or wishing things were different for you.
As human beings, we have an innate need to connect with others, and if this is missing for us, we may struggle with our psychological and emotional wellbeing.
As a counsellor, by working together and getting to understand what you are currently feeling and experiencing, I will walk your path with you, offering a different insight and perspective. I will offer a non-judgmental, open and honest therapeutic relationship. Our work together isn't about me 'fixing you' or giving you advice, but about offering a space to explore what is going on, allowing you to develop skills and strategies to support yourself, and to plan for your future in a positive manner.
Training, qualifications & experience
I previously worked in the HR and recruitment field and, following a sudden personal bereavement, I made the decision to retrain as a counsellor following the benefits I experienced of being able to speak about my loss.
I began my training and was fortunate to have a volunteer placement in a local hospice. This volunteer role will always be special for me as it allowed me to access the path I am proud to walk today. I also volunteered in a primary care counselling service receiving time-limited referrals from GP's. This allowed me to gain experience of working in a time-limited, solution-focused way with individuals.
Once qualified I worked as a Counsellor in an NHS service, offering time-limited counselling for common mental health presentations such as anxiety, anger, low mood, depression, relationship issues etc.
Following my time in the NHS I was offered a wonderful opportunity to work in a forward thinking young carers service in County Durham, where I set up a counselling provision for children and young people referred into the service. This was an incredible experience to work with resilient, resourceful children and young people impacted by caring roles. I gained experience of working with colleagues in the local authority, schools, colleges and local community organisations. Whilst in the young carers service I also worked with schools, colleges and organisations across County Durham to develop their understanding of young carers and supporting provision for young carers in these settings.
I moved to work as a Counsellor for a national charity supporting serving members of the armed forces, veterans and family members. This role afforded me the opportunity to gain experience of military life, the camaraderie, effects of transitioning back into civilian life, impacts on family and also the effects of trauma on individuals. This role also gave me the opportunity to support the UK Team who competed in the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia in 2019. I provided solution-focused psychological support to competitors throughout their training camps in the UK and then flew out to Sydney with the UK Team to provide psychological support to those taking part in the Games.
Following this appointment, I spent time working for the Ministry of Defence supporting the mental health of serving members of the UK Armed Forces.
Within my private practice I work alongside Employee Assistance Programs providing counselling support to individuals seeking support locally.
Qualifications
- BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling
- Foundation Degree in Counselling
- Certificate in Clinical Supervision
- Online & Telephone Counselling Training
- A number of additional training opportunities, including Compassion Focused Therapy, Rewind technique to support trauma and fears, walking therapy and PTSD awareness.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I have experience of working with serving members of the Armed Forces as well as veterans and offer a reduced rate - please contact me for further details.
I have experience of supporting individuals with long-term health conditions, especially Multiple Sclerosis which I have specific awareness, knowledge and training in via MS-UK.
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My current fees are:
- 20 minute introductory telephone call to discuss suitability - Free
- Counselling session - £50
- Clinical supervision - £45 per hour
- Concessionary rates available for counselling - please see below for further details.
Veterans & Serving Members of the Armed Forces
Due to my experience working for a military charity and the MoD I am passionate about offering accessible counselling support to veterans and serving members of our armed forces. I therefore offer a reduced rate for veterans and serving members. Please contact me for further details.
Student / Trainee Counsellors
I offer a reduced rate for student / trainee counsellors requiring access to counselling or personal development as part of their counselling training. Please contact me for further details.
When I work
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Appointments may be available by agreement on Saturdays - please contact me for further information.
