James Vanstone, BACP, NCPS

James Vanstone is a counsellor with 21 years' experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain and grief. He welcomes people who feel stuck after previous attempts at help or those seeking therapy for the first time. James focuses on practical steps that can be used day to day to improve mood, confidence and motivation.

He aims to build rapport quickly so people feel able to share difficult thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Sessions focus on straightforward strategies and tools that clients can practise between meetings. James describes his work as collaborative and aims to support people as they take the first steps towards change.

James draws on a mix of approaches to suit different needs. He uses attachment-based ideas to look at how early relationships shape current patterns, and client-centred work to follow what matters most to each person. Cognitive behavioural techniques are added where people want to learn skills to manage anxiety, anger or unhelpful thinking.

Over two decades he has worked with issues such as trauma, abuse, victimisation and bullying, plus relationship difficulties and parenting strains. He also supports people dealing with abandonment, adoption and foster-care histories, ageing concerns, autism and attachment issues. James aims to equip people with simple, repeatable tools that make daily life easier.

He is registered with BACP and NCPS and practices in the United Kingdom. Sessions are carried out in English and he is open to international clients. If someone wants a practical, grounded approach with a focus on everyday changes, James may be a good fit.

How his approaches work in online therapy

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds influence current relationships and emotional reactions. Online sessions using this approach can help people notice recurring patterns and try new ways of connecting with others. Client-Centred Therapy places the client's concerns at the centre and follows the person’s own priorities; it helps people feel heard and decide what changes matter most to them.

Finding the right approach is a joint process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t worked before, then suggest ways to combine approaches. This collaborative planning helps shape sessions so they fit the person rather than fitting the person to a method.

The biography does not detail which session formats are used, so please confirm available formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives by reducing travel and allowing sessions around work or family commitments. It can also allow shorter check-ins when needed or sessions without video if that helps someone engage more comfortably. Registered or accredited professionals will typically help you decide the most practical arrangement for your situation.