James York
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
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) and completed a Masters in Psychotherapy Studies with Distinction in 2025.
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.
I'm particularly passionate about supporting men’s mental health. I understand that, for many men, opening up can feel unfamiliar or difficult. I aim to offer a space where you feel heard without pressure or judgment. That said, I welcome and work with clients of all genders, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Drop me a message and we can explore how we might work together.
Training, qualifications & experience
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in HR and recruitment. A sudden personal bereavement changed the course of my life, it was through being able to talk openly about this loss that I felt profound benefits. This deeply personal experience inspired me to retrain as a therapist.
As part of my counselling training, I volunteered at a local hospice, an experience that holds lasting meaning for me and was a key step in shaping the counsellor I am today. I also gained valuable experience working in a primary care counselling service, supporting clients referred by their GP with time-limited, solution-focused therapy for a wide range of issues.
Once qualified, I joined an NHS service offering short-term counselling for common mental health concerns, including anxiety, low mood, anger, depression, and relationship difficulties. This gave me a strong grounding in working within a structured, clinical setting.
From there, I moved into a specialist role with a forward-thinking young carers service in County Durham, where I established a counselling provision for children and young people impacted by caring responsibilities. I worked closely with schools, colleges, local authorities and community organisations to both support individuals and raise awareness of young carers’ needs across the county.
I later joined a national charity supporting serving members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families. This role gave me a deep insight into military culture, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the emotional impact of trauma. A particular highlight was supporting the UK Team at the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia (2019), where I provided psychological support throughout training and at the Games themselves.
Following this, I worked for the Ministry of Defence, supporting the mental health of serving UK Armed Forces personnel. I now work in private practice and also deliver counselling through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), supporting a wide range of clients from different personal and professional backgrounds.
My approach is integrative, with a strong emphasis on Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). I also offer walking therapy for clients who find benefit in working outdoors.
Qualifications
- MA in Psychotherapy Studies
- BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling
- Foundation Degree in Counselling
- Certificate in Clinical Supervision Online & Telephone Counselling Training
Additional training includes:
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Rewind Technique (for trauma and phobias)
- PTSD Awareness
- Walk & Talk Therapy
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 specialist experience working with serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families, including an understanding of military culture, transition to civilian life, and the impact of trauma. I offer a reduced rate for veterans and serving personnel. Please get in touch for details.
I also support individuals living with long-term health conditions, with particular awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I have completed specific training through MS-UK, enhancing my understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of MS and how best to support those navigating it.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
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
With experience working for both a military charity and the Ministry of Defence, I am passionate about providing accessible and meaningful counselling support to those who serve or have served. I offer a reduced rate for veterans and serving personnel—please feel free to contact me for further information.
Student / Trainee Counsellors
I understand the importance of personal therapy during counselling training. I offer a concessionary rate for student and trainee counsellors who are required to undertake counselling or personal development as part of their course. Please get in touch to discuss further.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Appointments are available by agreement on Saturdays - please contact me for further information.
