Online therapy · United Kingdom In crisis? Call 116 123 (Samaritans, free, any hour)
Browse profiles
Home Counsellors James Costigan
Portrait of James Costigan

Directory entry

James Costigan, BACP

Credentials
BACP
Experience
9 years
Practising in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Sessions
Online only
Client ages
Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties

Ready when you are

James sees clients through BetterHelp. Answer a few questions to ask about starting - free, and no commitment.

Get started with James

Affiliate link. We will earn a commission if you sign up, at no cost to you.

James Costigan is a counsellor with nine years' experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, addiction and relationship concerns. He holds BACP accreditation and works with clients who want clearer thinking, steadier emotions and more confidence. He creates a calm, respectful space where conversations are straightforward and practical steps are discussed.

James often meets men who have carried pressure in silence and want to make sense of their feelings. He helps clients slow down, notice patterns, and understand how past experiences shape present reactions.

Background and approach

Sessions aim to increase self-awareness and to reduce overwhelm through manageable changes. His background includes time in a corporate setting, which he draws on when addressing work stress and performance expectations. That experience informs conversations about career choices and professional pressures without jargon.

He also supports people dealing with addiction, including drug, alcohol and porn-related struggles, using down-to-earth methods. James blends client-centred listening with practical tools from cognitive approaches and mindfulness. This mix is used flexibly to suit each person’s pace and goals.

The focus is on what helps most in day-to-day life rather than abstract theory. People meet him to work on issues such as low self-esteem, communication problems, intimacy and sexual culture concerns, codependency, attachment worries, and coping with major life changes. He stays alongside clients as they try new ways of relating and managing difficult moments.

How James uses practical approaches online

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and helping people feel heard. It’s about following the client’s agenda, reflecting what they say, and helping them find their own answers; this is useful for building trust and self-awareness.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going. It uses simple exercises and small experiments to change unhelpful patterns, which can help with anxiety, depression and stress-related difficulties.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches ways to notice feelings and thoughts without being swept away by them. Short practices can reduce rumination and improve focus, which supports emotional regulation and coping with urges related to addiction.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. James collaborates with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, needs and day-to-day life. He adapts pace and techniques so people can try things they find useful and leave what doesn’t help.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility - video calls let people read tone and body language, phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited, and text-based messaging or live chat suit quick check-ins or those who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, travel or caring duties and to keep continuity when life gets busy.
What concerns does James commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions and relationship or intimacy-related issues. Other areas include self-esteem, career pressures, ADHD, and family or attachment problems.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His style is calm, direct and conversational. He uses listening and practical tools so clients can make small, steady changes.
How much experience does he have?
James has nine years of experience working with people on mental health and life challenges, including work-related stress and addiction.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP, and practices in the United Kingdom.
Which languages and international options are provided?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
In what formats are sessions offered?
Clients can meet him via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging, depending on their preference.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the steps to start therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
9 years
Registered with
BACP
Languages
English

Contacting James

James takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Contact James

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

Others working with stress, anxiety

See all →
Contact James