Hannah James

Welcome. My name is Hannah James and I am an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).   

I am a kind and skilled mental health professional who can offer support with a range of difficulties you may be experiencing, as well as more specialist knowledge within Trauma, sexual abuse and domestic abuse. 

As an experienced counsellor I’m able to offer a trusting, safe, confidential relationship, creating an environment in which you have the tools and power to explore anything in your life, whether past or present.

My approach is person-centred and integrative. This means I am able to adapt my therapeutic approach to suit your individual needs. Furthermore, as a client you will remain the focal point of our work together at all times, working at a pace that is right for you. 

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, grief, relationships with others or perhaps your relationship with yourself, I can use a range of different counselling and psychological theories including CBT skills to ensure a personalised experience for you.

My understanding and knowledge of mental health is informed by several years of practice and study. I hold a BSc in Psychology (Bournemouth University, 2012), in addition to my counselling qualification, and during the final year of my degree, I particularly specialised in attachment.

I am qualified to work with children from 11 yrs and up and alongside this, I have 10 years' experience working with children ranging from under 1s through to adolescents in a variety of different roles. 

This is underpinned by a level 3 qualification in child development and education.

Not only does this allow me to work with children and young people in a therapeutic way, but it has given me the knowledge and skills to be able to offer help and psychological education for people who may be experiencing difficulties relating to parenting.

My client work has been diverse in terms of age, personal circumstances and presenting difficulty. Initially, I gained experience as an addictions counsellor, then specialised in trauma and worked as a trauma therapist for a local charity with particular focus on domestic abuse, coercive control and sexual abuse.  

I have also devised and delivered local training on trauma and sexual abuse, in partnership with the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Safeguarding Children's Board, within my role for the charity Acts Fast. 

I am a people person: as important as theory and practice is, I absolutely believe that taking ample time to get to know each other and creating a safe, trusting, non-judgemental space is essential to a successful client-counsellor relationship. 

If you are looking for a warm, friendly and highly experienced counsellor then I would love to hear from you for a no-obligation chat.

An initial 30 minute consultation, over the phone will be free of charge. If you decide you would like to proceed with counselling, fees are £55 per session.

I ask that payment for the first full session is to be made in advance, at least 2 working days before the date of the first session. This can be either cash or made through BACS.

I ask that all subsequent sessions are to be paid either in advance through BACS, or in cash on the day of the session.

If, at any time your financial circumstances change, please talk to me and we can decide on a way forward together.