Simon James

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About me

I'm an integrative, humanistic counsellor offering a calm and confidential space where you can explore whatever is going on for you at your own pace. I work with adults, couples and young people (18+) in Swansea and online across the UK. I have particular experience supporting neurodivergent clients, veterans, and people navigating anxiety, identity questions, or major life transitions.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply need someone outside of your immediate world to talk to, you're in the right place. You don’t have to figure things out alone. I’ll walk alongside you to help make sense of your experiences, build self-awareness, and move towards a life that feels more authentic and manageable on your terms.

I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy, depending on your needs and goals, and will always adapt the work to suit you as an individual.

Training, qualifications & experience

I have completed CPCAB-accredited training in counselling, including:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
  • Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Diploma in Relational Couples Counselling
  • The Theory of Love, A Relational Framework In Couples Counselling 
  • Accredited Sight Loss counsellor (RNIB).
  • ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) Certification Course: Strength-based Interventions to Thrive with ADHD from Childhood to Adulthood

  • Foundation for Infant Loss Training  -Certified Infertility Specialist

  • Pregnancy and Infant Loss Practitioner Training

  • Foundation for Infant Loss Training  -Certified Rainbow Baby Specialist

  • Safeguarding Adults Level 2 

  • Safeguarding Adults Level 3

  • Safeguarding Level 4 

  • Safeguarding Adults Level 5

  • Resolving Trauma Training

  • Exploring Adolescence

  • A-Z of LGBTQ Inclusion

  • Understanding the Service Needs of LGBTQ+ Survivors of Sexual Violence in Wales

  • Silencing the Inner Critic: Mastering New Tools for Client and Personal Success

My training is grounded in a humanistic, integrative approach, drawing on person-centred, Gestalt, and existential theories. I also have additional experience supporting neurodivergent clients and those navigating anxiety, identity, trauma, and life transitions.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£40.00 - £50.00

Concessions offered for

  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Sessions are £40 one-to-one and £50 for couples and last 50 minutes. I offer a limited number of lower-cost spaces for Students and veterans. Please feel free to enquire. Payment is due by bank transfer before the day of the session. I offer a free 20-minute introductory call to help you decide whether I’m the right fit.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

Choosing to begin counselling is a meaningful and personal step. I understand how important it is for you to feel safe, heard, and genuinely supported throughout that journey. My role is to offer a space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely without judgment, labels, or pressure and where your pace, needs, and experiences are respected.

I aim to create an atmosphere that feels warm, grounding, and human, so that you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we’ll work in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful for you.

I offer in-person counselling in Swansea and online across the UK, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits your lifestyle and energy levels. Whether you prefer the familiarity of home or the reassurance of being in the therapy room, I bring the same level of presence, care, and attentiveness to each session.

My way of working
I work in an integrative and humanistic way, meaning I draw on several therapeutic approaches to support you. These include:

Person-Centred Therapy places your experiences and perspective at the heart of our sessions. You lead the way, and I walk alongside you as you explore what matters.
Gestalt Therapy focuses on your here-and-now experiences, helping you become more aware of patterns, habits, and feelings that shape your life.
Existential Therapy explores the bigger questions of life, meaning, freedom, and choice, while grounding this exploration in your personal circumstances.
Rather than applying a “one size fits all” approach, I adapt how we work to fit your personality, your goals, and the challenges you are facing.

 
Who I work with
I offer counselling for adults and young people aged 18+. My practice is open to people from all backgrounds, and I have a particular passion for working with clients who are neurodivergent (for example, ADHD or autism), as well as those exploring identity, self-acceptance, or navigating life transitions.

Some of the issues clients bring to counselling include:

Anxiety, worry, and stress
Depression or low mood
Self-esteem and self-worth
Bereavement, loss, or major life changes
Relationship and family difficulties
Identity and belonging
Neurodivergence, masking, and burnout
Workplace stress or challenges
Feeling “stuck” or lacking direction


You don’t have to have a clearly defined problem to benefit from counselling  , many people simply come with a sense that something doesn’t feel right, or with a wish to better understand themselves.

What to expect in sessions
Our sessions are collaborative. I won’t tell you what to do or judge your choices. Instead, I provide a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly, perhaps for the first time. We might look at past experiences, patterns in your relationships, or how you respond to challenges in daily life.

Sometimes our work focuses on helping you cope with immediate difficulties. At other times, we may explore deeper themes of identity, meaning, or growth. You set the pace, and we regularly review our work together to ensure it’s helpful to you.

Accessibility and inclusivity
I am committed to making counselling as accessible and inclusive as possible. Being neurodivergent myself, I understand how important it is to have a space where you don’t need to mask or fit into someone else’s idea of how you “should” be. If you have particular needs around communication, environment, or session structure, we can adapt together to ensure therapy feels manageable and safe for you.

I also recognise that therapy can feel daunting. Reaching out for support is not always easy, and you may feel uncertain about what to expect. I will always go at your pace and work in a way that feels collaborative and respectful.

Professional standards
I am trained as an integrative counsellor and follow the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means I am committed to providing a professional, ethical, and safe service. I also undertake regular supervision and continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure my practice remains reflective and responsive to client needs.

Moving forward
Counselling is not about quick fixes;  it’s about building a relationship of trust where you can explore what matters to you. Some people come for a short number of sessions to focus on a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper exploration. We will discuss your hopes and needs at the start and continue to check in throughout therapy.

Above all, I want you to know that you don’t have to go through challenges alone. Whether you are seeking support for a particular issue or simply wish to understand yourself better, counselling can give you the time and space you need to reflect, heal, and grow.

 
Next steps
If you are considering counselling with me, please feel free to get in touch. We can arrange an initial session where you can see how it feels to work together. There is no obligation to continue beyond that if it doesn’t feel right. What matters is that you find a counsellor and a space where you feel comfortable.

I look forward to supporting you on your journey.

Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Zoom