James York

I'm a qualified and experienced counsellor offering an integrative approach tailored to your individual needs. I’m an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Â鶹ԭ´´), and I provide a safe, respectful, and confidential space to explore whatever’s on your mind.

People come to counselling for many reasons—some are facing a specific issue such as anxiety, loss, or low mood, while others feel something isn’t quite right but can’t pinpoint why. Whatever brings you here, your experiences are valid, and nothing is ever too small to talk about if it’s affecting your wellbeing.

You might be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or stuck. You may be struggling with low confidence, difficult relationships, or constant overthinking that affects your sleep or focus. Together, we can explore these challenges and what they mean for you.

I'm particularly passionate about supporting men’s mental health. I understand that, for many men, opening up can feel unfamiliar or difficult. My aim is to offer a space where you feel heard without pressure or judgment. That said, I welcome and work with clients of all genders, backgrounds, and walks of life.

As your counsellor, I won’t offer quick fixes or advice—but I will listen, reflect, and walk alongside you as you make sense of your experiences. Our work together is about building insight, developing strategies that support you, and helping you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, and it’s important to find a therapist you feel at ease with. I aim to offer a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly, gain clarity, and feel more equipped to face the challenges you’re experiencing.

I work integratively, drawing on Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and humanistic approaches. This allows me to tailor sessions to your needs—whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in self-criticism, struggling with anxiety or low mood, or dealing with a major life change.

My focus is not just on talking, but on helping you make sense of what’s happening and building practical tools to support you both now and in the future.

I have a strong interest in men’s mental health, and understand that seeking support can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. I aim to provide a space where you feel heard and respected. I also work with people from all backgrounds and experiences.

How I Work

I offer a free 20-minute phone call so we can talk about what’s bringing you to counselling, what you hope to gain, and whether I’m the right fit for you. There's no obligation to continue—just a chance to explore what you need.

If we agree to work together, we’ll establish a clear therapy contract in the first session. Sessions are usually held weekly and last up to one hour.

Fees

Standard fee: £50 per session

Concessions available for:

- Student and trainee counsellors

- Veterans and serving armed forces personnel

(Please get in touch for more details.)

I offer one-to-one clinical supervision for qualified counsellors, trainee counsellors, and professionals who require reflective space as part of their role.

My supervision approach is grounded in Proctor’s Normative, Formative, and Restorative model, providing a balanced focus on professional standards, skills development, and emotional support. I aim to create a safe, collaborative environment where you feel able to reflect honestly on your work, grow as a practitioner, and feel supported in the challenges and rewards of therapeutic practice.

With an integrative background—including Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), CBT-informed work, and a humanistic foundation—I tailor supervision to your modality, stage of training or practice, and specific needs. Whether you're in the early stages of your journey or are an experienced practitioner, we’ll work together to support your development and wellbeing.

I have particular experience of working with:

- Adults and young people

- Time-limited or solution-focused models (e.g. NHS, EAP work)

- Military personnel, veterans, and carers

- Trauma, loss, identity, and resilience

Supervision is available:

Face-to-face in my counselling room at Faverdale, Darlington

Online via secure video platform

Fees

£45 per hour.