Natalie James

I am available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Get in touch for more information about my working hours.

Currently, I can only offer face-to-face sessions weekdays, between the hours of 9am - 5pm. 

Hi, I’m Natalie. I’m a person-centred counsellor. I work with adults, either in-person in Aberdeen, or across the UK via telephone or video sessions.

People attend counselling for all kinds of different reasons. Counselling can help you process past life events, explore how you might like your future to look, understand your self more clearly, and develop more acceptance for who you are. You may have a very strong idea of what you’d like to talk about in counselling and how you think it might help you, or you may not know the best place to begin and may not be sure what changes counselling can bring. Either way, when working together, I will meet you where you are at and strive to help you get something out of our time together.

I work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, genders, ages, and cultures. I have experience working with issues relating to disability, neurodivergence, gender and sexuality. I aim for my practice to be inclusive and anti-oppressive, and I recognise the ways that being minoritised and othered in society can impact on mental health and wellbeing.

It can be difficult to describe what counselling ‘typically’ looks like, as the process is often very individual. Person-centred counselling is a kind of talking therapy, so sessions are often conversational in nature. We discuss what is on your mind, and go at whatever pace feels comfortable for you. There’s no pressure to discuss anything you don’t feel ready to discuss. My role as a counsellor is not to instruct or direct you, but to establish a welcoming and non-judgemental environment, where we can build a relationship in which you feel able to explore and make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

The relationships I build with my clients are one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. The therapeutic relationship is very different to our usual day-to-day relationships. It is a huge honour to earn people’s trust in this way, and to journey with them as they navigate whatever issues they are currently facing in life.

I offer a free initial session. This currently takes place virtually, and provides us with an opportunity to meet and see if we feel able to work together. Typically, in an initial session, I’ll ask you a few questions about what is bringing you to counselling and give you some more information about how I work. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask me any questions you have, and let me know about any access needs you may have. There is no obligation to go ahead with a longer counselling relationship following this session.