- Client-Centred approach
- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness practice
About James
James Costigan is a BACP counsellor with nine years' experience based in the United Kingdom. He focuses on helping people reduce stress, manage anxiety, and handle anger. Many who come to him are dealing with relationship problems, addiction struggles, or a sense of feeling lost.
James mainly works with men and draws on his background in corporate life to understand workplace pressures. He uses straightforward conversation to build self-awareness and help clients make sense of their emotions. Sessions aim to slow things down so reactions can be noticed and handled more calmly.
In practice he combines Client-Centred ways of working with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness techniques. That means listening without judgement, spotting unhelpful thinking patterns, and practising simple attention and breathing skills. He often focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions.
James helps people address a wide range of concerns, including depression, ADHD, intimacy-related issues, career strain, self-esteem problems, and substance use. He also supports those working through abandonment and attachment hurts, communication or control issues, and pressures linked to kink or alternative sexual cultures.
Sessions are paced to suit the individual. James describes therapy as a collaborative process where the client sets the pace and goals. To begin, people use the site matching questionnaire and book a first session to see how the working style fits.
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Client-Centred work focuses on listening and following what matters most to the client. Online sessions use the same basic principle - the counsellor encourages people to say what they find most pressing and responds in a way that reflects their experience.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy concentrates on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioural changes. In online meetings this can include setting short tasks between sessions, tracking patterns, and reviewing what helps reduce anger or anxiety.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity. These exercises can be practised during or between sessions to help people notice impulses and slow down their responses.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels practical, then adapt the blend of listening, CBT tools and mindfulness exercises. That process is collaborative and reviewed as progress is made.
The original biography does not specify which session formats are used. Please confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins where helpful, and reduce travel time while keeping the focus on practical steps for managing anger and stress.
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 kinds of anger issues does he help with?
He helps people who lose their temper with close others, feel building resentment, or are affected by someone elses anger. Work often focuses on noticing triggers and learning calmer responses.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He blends client-centred listening with practical CBT tools and mindfulness exercises. Sessions aim to increase self-awareness and introduce small changes to daily habits.
How long has he been practising?
He has nine years of experience working as a counsellor. That background includes time in corporate settings which informs work on workplace stress.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is registered with the BACP and works from the United Kingdom.
Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered to international clients. All meetings are conducted in English.
Which session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies by location and sessions are provided via a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.