James | Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Counselling and Psychotherapy Haggerston - London

Relationships
Are central to our wellbeing, yet they can also be one of the hardest parts of life to get right. Do you find yourself drawn to partners who aren’t good for you, or worrying constantly when you don’t hear from someone? Perhaps you lose your sense of self in relationships, struggle to set boundaries, or feel overwhelmed by another person’s needs.

I specialise in working with attachment issues, the push and pull between closeness and independence that can make relationships feel confusing or painful. Together, we can explore where these patterns come from and how to develop healthier, more secure connections.

Couples Counselling
Alongside individual therapy, I also work with couples who feel stuck, disconnected or caught in recurring cycles of conflict.

Whether you’re struggling with communication, trust issues, intimacy difficulties, or feel you’ve lost your connection, I offer a calm and balanced space where both partners can be heard.

My couples work draws on systemic and attachment-based approaches, helping you understand the dynamics between you and develop more supportive and respectful ways of relating.

Childhood Trauma and the Past
Some of the difficulties we experience in adult life have their roots in earlier experiences. Childhood trauma doesn’t always mean obvious abuse, it can also include emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, feeling unseen, or growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment.

These early experiences can shape how we relate to others, how we see ourselves, and how we cope with stress, intimacy and conflict. You may notice patterns such as people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, emotional shutdown, or chronic anxiety without fully understanding why.

In therapy, we can gently explore how your past may be affecting your present at a pace that feels safe and manageable, helping you develop greater self-compassion, emotional regulation and a stronger sense of self.

Creative and High-Pressure Lives
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years as a music producer, performing internationally and working in the creative industries. I understand first-hand the intensity of that world, the burnout, comparison, loneliness and pressure to keep going.

These experiences inform my work with creatives and professionals who live fast-paced lives but often struggle behind the scenes. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters beyond performance or productivity.

Family and Change
Family relationships can be complex, and even as adults we may find ourselves replaying old roles or patterns. If you feel stuck in conflict with family members, or weighed down by expectations, we can work together to understand these dynamics and develop healthier boundaries.

I also support people through life transitions, career loss, mid-life change, relationship endings, and new beginnings. Having navigated major life changes myself, I know that even painful disruption can become an opportunity for growth and renewal.

How I Work
I practise using an integrative framework, beginning with a person-centred foundation and drawing on psychodynamic theory, transactional analysis, and CBT. This allows us to explore both the deeper roots of your difficulties and the practical steps needed for change.

Whether we’re working individually or as a couple, my approach is warm, collaborative and grounded. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, respected and supported.