James French, BACP

James French is a counsellor who focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, depression and relationship worries. He also supports those dealing with grief, self-esteem issues, addictions and life transitions. He works in English and accepts international clients, and he holds BACP accreditation.

James keeps sessions straightforward and practical. He listens first, then helps people set short-term goals and simple steps they can try between meetings. He draws on a mix of approaches to match each person's needs rather than using the same method for everyone.

Over three years he has worked with people on a wide range of concerns, including parenting strain, career questions, ADHD, compassion fatigue and issues that arise with ageing and geriatric concerns. He also addresses attachment, intimacy, body image and caregiver stress. He aims to make conversations feel manageable even when the topic is painful.

His style is collaborative and down-to-earth. Sessions often involve talking through what matters most, spotting unhelpful patterns, and testing small changes. He explains ideas plainly and checks that suggested steps feel realistic for each person.

If someone decides to work together, James helps set clear aims for therapy and reviews progress regularly. The focus is on practical coping, clearer decision-making and helping people move forward from difficult moments.

How James uses different approaches online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice painful thoughts without getting overwhelmed by them and then choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression and coping with major life changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking patterns and trying small behavioural experiments to test new ways of responding. This approach often helps with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns affect current connections and can help with intimacy issues, attachment concerns and caregiver stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and check progress as they go, adjusting the plan if needed.

If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the available session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to keep regular appointments, fit therapy around work or caring duties, and have shorter check-ins when needed. It also allows continuity for people who live away from the therapist's area or travel frequently. Registered or accredited professionals can tailor pacing and tasks to suit online meetings so therapy fits everyday life without adding extra travel.