- Client-centred approach
- Mindfulness and CBT
- Experience with addiction
About James
James Costigan is a BACP counsellor with nine years of practice helping men slow down and make sense of what is troubling them. He offers a steady, non-judgemental presence and aims to help people build clearer self-awareness and calmer responses to stress.
He focuses on common struggles such as depression, anxiety, stress and relationship difficulties. James also works with people facing addiction problems, including drug, alcohol and pornography issues, and those wrestling with career pressure or a sense of being lost. Codependency and intimacy-related concerns are included among areas he supports.
James combines practical talk with reflective listening. He helps clients notice patterns in their feelings and behaviour, and then try small changes to test what makes life easier. Sessions are paced to suit each person rather than following a rigid timetable.
He draws on client-centred ways of working, cognitive behavioural ideas and mindfulness practices to tackle unhelpful thoughts, manage strong emotions and build everyday coping skills. These approaches are mixed to suit the issue in front of him and the goals a client brings.
People who come to James often want a straightforward space to think aloud and plan change. He uses his own prior corporate experience when clients want help with workplace stress, performance pressure or career decisions. International clients can be seen and sessions are conducted in English.
How his approaches work in online therapy
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person in front of the counsellor and on building understanding through listening and acceptance. It helps when someone needs to slow down, be heard and make sense of feelings. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and uses clear, structured steps to try out new ways of thinking and coping with problems such as anxiety or low mood. Mindfulness Therapy brings attention to the present moment through simple practices that reduce reactivity and improve how someone notices stress and urges.Finding the right combination of these approaches is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and then agree a plan together. That shared process helps make adjustments if something does not feel helpful.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm the options available before booking. Many people find online work useful because it can fit around work, travel or family life and remove travel time. It can also make it easier to have shorter check-ins, use telephone when bandwidth is low, or keep sessions to a schedule that suits day-to-day demands. Registered or accredited professionals can offer a flexible way to continue therapy when in-person meetings are difficult to arrange.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Credentials
Listed on profile
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What problems does James help with?
He works with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and intimacy-related problems, self-esteem and career pressures.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
James uses a straightforward, listening-led style that combines practical talk with reflective listening and paced work tailored to each person.
What is his background and experience?
He has nine years of experience and brings prior corporate experience to conversations about workplace stress and performance pressure.
What credentials and location are listed?
James is listed with the BACP and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages and client locations are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current options with the service before booking.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.