John Courtney, BACP

John Courtney is a therapist with BACP credentials (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and four years of clinical experience. He works in an integrative way, combining psychodynamic ideas with humanistic, person-centered practice to see clients in their fullest sense. His starting point is to build a relationship based on empathy, authenticity and non-judgemental acceptance, which creates the supportive space needed to explore what is troubling a person, where feelings may come from and how those patterns are affecting everyday life.

John is experienced supporting people with early and current trauma, depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, relationship breakdown, family strain, work-life imbalance, shame and LGBT+ issues. He also works with clients who arrive without a clear reason for seeking therapy, only a persistent sense of unease or dissatisfaction, and will collaborate to uncover what sits beneath that feeling.

Having previously sought therapy himself, he recognises how significant the first step can feel and aims to walk alongside clients as they work toward positive change. His approach emphasises safety within the therapeutic relationship so clients can take therapy in the direction that best meets their needs.

Approaches for online therapy and how they help

John brings together several therapeutic approaches suited to online work. Psychodynamic therapy explores patterns that originate in past experiences and relationships, helping clients understand recurring emotional responses and how these influence current behaviour and relationships. Client-centered therapy focuses on a warm, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship - the therapist offers empathy and acceptance while clients lead the pace and direction of their own change. Attachment-based work looks at how early connections shape expectations in relationships and can be useful for addressing trust, intimacy and relational distress.

Finding the best approach is part of the therapeutic process and will be a collaborative effort. John will discuss different methods with each client, tailoring sessions to their goals, preferences and the issues they bring, adjusting the approach as understanding deepens.

Online therapy with John is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. These options provide flexibility for people juggling work, family or geographical constraints and make it possible to access licensed professionals and therapists from a location that works for the client.