Rate James Saunders

I'm a BACP Registered counsellor with CPCAB Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications in therapeutic counselling. Before training as a therapist I spent twenty years working in corporate and professional environments — which means I understand the pressures, pace, and identity demands of modern professional life from the inside.

I work primarily with adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who are high-functioning and capable, but quietly exhausted — people carrying a lot, often invisibly. Common themes include burnout, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, identity questions, and the growing sense that the life they've built doesn't quite feel like theirs. You don't need a diagnosis or a clearly defined problem to begin. Many clients arrive simply knowing something doesn't feel right.

My approach is grounded in person-centred therapy, with elements drawn from psychodynamic, CBT, and Gestalt methods depending on what each client needs. I don't work from a fixed programme — sessions are shaped around you, and the pace is yours.

I'm honest, engaged, and genuinely interested in what's underneath — not just the presenting problem, but the patterns, beliefs, and stories about yourself that may be quietly keeping you stuck.

Taking the first step can feel uncomfortable, especially if you're someone who's used to managing alone. If something feels off and you're ready to explore it, I'd welcome the chance to work with you.