Counsellor profile
James Costigan, BACP
Counsellor - stress and relationships
See online counselling options- Client-Centred Therapy
- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness practice
About James
James Costigan is a counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He has nine years' experience and works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and self-esteem concerns, as well as career and intimacy-related issues. He sees people who are exploring ADHD, coping with life changes, or wanting coaching-style support.
James focuses on helping people slow down and make sense of their feelings. He uses straightforward conversations to increase self-awareness and reduce unhelpful patterns. Sessions aim to help clients respond to pressures with more confidence and clarity.
He often works with men who find it hard to talk about pressures at home or at work. Many clients come with depression, anxiety, problematic sexual behaviour such as porn use, or challenges around intimacy. He also draws on experience of corporate life when addressing professional stress and performance expectations.
The main approaches James uses are Client-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Therapy. In practice this means attentive listening, practical ways to spot and shift thinking patterns, and simple mindfulness exercises to reduce stress. Homework and short practical tasks are sometimes suggested between sessions.
Sessions move at a pace set by the person attending. James aims to build steady routines for thinking and coping rather than quick fixes. People who prefer direct conversation, practical tools and a focus on real-life pressures often find this approach helpful.
Approaches used in online counselling and what they involve
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding. The counsellor follows what the person brings and reflects it back to help them make sense of their feelings. This approach can help when someone needs a clearer view of their emotions and reactions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviours. It helps people notice unhelpful thinking patterns and try small practical changes. CBT is often used for anxiety, low mood and handling stressful situations.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices. These techniques can reduce stress and help with restless thinking by training attention on the present moment.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss needs, goals and preferences and decide together which methods to try. That collaboration continues as sessions progress and plans are adjusted based on what helps.
Confirm the exact session options before booking. The biography does not specify formats, so check whether sessions are by video, phone or another method. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions around work, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he most commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and self-esteem concerns, plus career and intimacy-related issues.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses straightforward conversation, attentive listening and practical tasks. Sessions often include short exercises and reflections between meetings.
How long has he been practising?
James has nine years of experience working with a range of emotional and practical concerns.
Which professional body is he a member of?
He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
Yes, international clients are accepted.
How are sessions arranged and paid for?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What should I do to start a first session?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.