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James Costigan

Therapist profile

James Costigan

United Kingdom

Calm, practical counselling for men

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  • Men's wellbeing focus
  • Practical coping skills
  • Support with addictions

About James

James Costigan is a counsellor who focuses on men's wellbeing. He offers a calm, non-judgemental space where men can slow down and make sense of what is troubling them. He aims to help people build steadier ways of coping and to regain confidence in day-to-day life.

James works at a pace set by the person in front of him. He listens for what matters and helps people turn confusing feelings into clearer steps. Many clients seek support for anxiety, depression, stress and addiction struggles, including issues with pornography.

He also helps with relationship problems, intimacy-related concerns and challenges at work. His corporate background informs practical conversations about performance pressure and career decisions. James supports people facing life changes such as separation or caring responsibilities.

Therapy draws on client-centred approaches to keep the conversation focused on the person's experience. He uses cognitive behavioural ideas to notice unhelpful thinking and to try new behaviours. Mindfulness techniques can help reduce overwhelming feelings and improve focus.

James is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. He works with English-speaking clients in the United Kingdom and accepts international clients. To begin, people select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy places the person's experience at the heart of sessions. The counsellor listens carefully, reflects what he hears and helps people feel understood so they can decide what to work on next. This approach suits concerns where someone needs time to make sense of their feelings and priorities.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going. It uses practical exercises and small experiments to test new ways of thinking and acting, which can help with anxiety, low mood and unhelpful habits.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and build focus. These skills can be used when stress feels overwhelming or when someone wants steadier emotional responses.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will talk with the client about goals and preferences and then try methods that fit. This is a collaborative process and the plan can change as the work progresses.

Confirm current session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work, travel or family life, reduce time spent commuting and allow check-ins from different locations. They can also make it simpler to use short, focused sessions or to include practical exercises between meetings.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties

Also works with

LGBTIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness Therapy

Experience

9+ years

Credentials

United Kingdom

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can I bring to sessions?

Common issues include stress, anxiety, depression, addictions and relationship or intimacy-related concerns. There are also supports for career pressure, self-esteem and ADHD-related difficulties.

How would you describe the therapy style here?

The work is person-focused and practical. James combines client-centred listening with cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness to help people understand feelings and try different responses.

What experience does the counsellor have?

James has nine years of experience working with adults on issues such as addiction, anxiety and life changes. He draws on that background to offer grounded, real-world support.

What credential does the counsellor hold and where are they based?

James is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and practises from the United Kingdom.

Which languages are available for therapy sessions?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients may work with James where arrangements allow.

What session formats are offered?

Please confirm current session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Check the booking flow to see which formats are available at the time you arrange sessions.

How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. Exact fees are shown during the booking process.

How do I start therapy with this counsellor?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

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