James Costigan, BACP

James Costigan is a compassionate, experienced therapist based in the United Kingdom who focuses on helping men slow down, build self-awareness, and move toward a steadier, more confident life. With nine years of practice, he specialises in areas such as stress, anxiety, addictions, relationships, self-esteem, career concerns, intimacy-related issues, anger, depression, and ADHD. He also works with issues including attachment and abandonment, codependency, body image, and the dynamics of kink and alternative sex culture. James blends practical insight with a patient, nonjudgmental approach so that clients can better understand their emotions and the patterns that get in the way of change.

Clients who seek James’s support often bring concerns about depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, addiction including problematic pornography use, professional pressure, performance expectations, or a sense of feeling lost. He draws on his own corporate experience when relevant to help with workplace stress and career-related challenges. Trained and accredited with the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, a UK professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists - James offers an approach that centres the client’s pace and priorities while encouraging clearer thinking, greater self-compassion, and improved coping.

Choosing therapy can feel like a significant step, and James aims to work collaboratively so each person can progress at a pace that feels right. He supports clients through the process of making sense of their difficulties and developing the practical skills and emotional resilience needed to face life’s challenges with more clarity and confidence.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Client-Centered Therapy places the client at the heart of the work, emphasising empathy, active listening, and collaboration so individuals can explore their feelings and make choices that feel authentic. This approach is helpful for those dealing with self-esteem, relationship concerns, and the emotional impact of life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and developing practical skills to change them. CBT can support work on anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that maintain addiction or low mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. James works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adapts the work as progress is made and circumstances change.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - so people can access support from wherever they are and at times that suit busy lives. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit therapy around work and family commitments, and choose the format that feels most comfortable for each individual.