James Saunders, BACP, NCPS

James Saunders is a BACP registered and NCPS accredited psychotherapeutic counsellor based in the United Kingdom who offers online and telephone therapy for adults aged 18 and over. He brings a blend of lived experience and formal training to his work, having retrained with a Level 4 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and completed focused continuing professional development courses in trauma-informed practice, substance use brief interventions, and suicide prevention and awareness.

At 42 years old, James combines life experience with professional skills. He previously worked in the high-pressure e-commerce sector and later navigated his own recovery from anxiety, depression, and addiction. His personal journey included participation in 12-step recovery programs, work as a sponsor, exploration of spiritual psychotherapy, and training as a meditation coach. These experiences inform a compassionate, down-to-earth practice that integrates traditional counselling with practical recovery tools and mindfulness techniques.

James describes his core approach as person-centered - creating a non-judgmental space that values the client as the expert on their own life. He also draws on elements of cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic work when these methods suit a client’s needs. He has provided support through volunteer roles at a UK mental health charity and crisis text services, and he has experience working with a wide range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and family difficulties, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions.

He offers flexible online and telephone appointments for people living in the UK, tailoring sessions to individual goals and preferences. His registration with the BACP means he is recognised by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and NCPS accreditation indicates additional professional recognition by that counselling body.

Client-centred and practical approaches for online healing

James primarily uses a client-centred approach, which focuses on creating a respectful, non-judgmental space where the therapist listens deeply and supports the client to find their own solutions. This approach is helpful for issues like low self-esteem, relationship challenges, and navigating life transitions.

He also uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques when they suit a client's needs. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and offers practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful patterns.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. James works with each person to explore which methods feel most useful based on their goals, history, and preferences, and he adapts the work over time so therapy remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy with James is offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to access support from home or elsewhere in the UK, and allow therapy to fit around work, family, and recovery commitments, while still providing consistent professional care from a registered professional.