Michael James , BACP

Michael James is a counsellor who focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties and issues tied to trauma. He has 28 years of experience and a BACP registration. He invites people to slow down, notice what matters and try small changes that make daily life feel more manageable.

He uses a person-centred way of working, which means the session follows the client’s concerns and priorities. That approach is paired with mindfulness practices described as intentional awareness - short, practical exercises to notice thoughts, body sensations and patterns of behaviour.

Michael pays close attention to how past hurts shape present difficulties. He frames trauma as something that often underlies anxiety, low mood or problems with intimacy, and works with present-centred body awareness alongside reflective conversation.

Sessions aim to help people clarify identity and purpose when life feels uncertain. He draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and emotionally-focused ideas to help people notice difficult feelings and choose valued actions rather than get stuck in avoidance.

People can expect a collaborative tone that balances gentle curiosity with practical steps. The work often includes observing patterns, trying short mindfulness practices and talking through changes a person wants to make. Michael also brings existential reflections when questions of meaning, ageing or major life change arise.

Approaches that suit online work and life challenges

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed, then choose actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, depression and life transition decisions. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how past bonds shape current relationships and emotional patterns, helping people understand clinginess, avoidance or trust issues and try new ways of connecting. Client-Centred Therapy places the person’s experience at the heart of the session, offering a listening, non-directive space where people can make sense of feelings and decide what they want to change.

Finding the best approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, preferences and what feels most helpful. Decisions about methods are made together and can change as the work progresses to suit shifting needs.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy schedules and varied needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual connection matters. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can fit into a short break. Live chat or text-based messaging can be useful for quick check-ins, ongoing coaching or when someone prefers writing to speaking. These options help people keep therapy going around work, caregiving or other commitments, and make it easier to try different formats to find what works best.