James O’Hara

I currently offer private counselling sessions on Mondays from 8:00am–8:00pm, and Tuesday to Friday from 5:00pm–8:00pm, providing a range of daytime and evening appointments to suit different schedules.

Alongside my private practice, I work within a Tameside NHS commissioned Mental Health Service, Tuesday's to Friday's. This role enables me to bring valuable experience from a community mental health setting into my private work, supporting clients with care, understanding, and professionalism.

I have no planned leave in the near future and am able to offer consistent, ongoing appointments to support continuity in our work together.

I bring over eight years’ experience working within mental health and wellbeing services, alongside a background supporting young people with Autism & ADHD. Earlier in my career, I worked using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) which focuses on understanding behaviour by exploring influencing factors, identifying patterns, and using structured, evidence-based strategies to support positive change. 

I work therapeutically in a structured compassionate and collaborative way. I currently facilitate a DBT skills group supporting clients who struggle with emotional dysregulation, distress intolerance, relationship difficulties and traits associated with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).

I have extensive experience working with individuals presenting with high levels of shame and risk to self, I offer a steady, non-judgmental space to build safety and skills. My counselling style is calm, open, and honest. Therapy with me is collaborative, we move at a pace that feels right for you. I offer gentle curiosity and reflection, and where helpful, compassionate challenge to support growth and insight.

Counselling can help you make sense of overwhelming emotions, process difficult experiences, improve self-awareness, strengthen coping strategies, and build confidence in navigating life’s challenges. 

If you are wondering whether counselling might help, an initial telephone consultation can help you decide your next steps. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change therefore our first session is an opportunity to explore whether this feels like the right fit. I also have experience of triaging and assessing referrals into services, so if I'm not the best person to support you - I will do what I can to point you in the right direction!

Please feel free to send me a message to get the ball rolling - I am happy to answer any initial questions you may have.

I offer a supportive, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. My approach is integrative, meaning I draw from a range of therapeutic models to tailor sessions to your individual needs.

Sessions are predominantly offered online or via telephone, providing flexibility and accessibility. There is also the option to access face-to-face sessions, subject to room availability. Please feel free to enquire if this is something you would prefer.

Qualifications and Professional Training:

Multi-Modality Practice (PG Diploma Level 7)

Counselling (Diploma Level 4)

National Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Training

Health Coaching (Level 1 & 2)

Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 4)

Psychology (BSc) (2012)

Alongside my formal qualifications, I undertake regular continuing professional development to ensure my practice remains safe, ethical, and up to date. Recent training includes Oliver McGowan training in Autism and Learning Disability, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Strength-based Approaches, and Managing Suicidal Conversations, among others.

Taking the first step towards counselling, or meeting with a new counsellor or therapist, can feel daunting. It’s completely natural to feel unsure, nervous, or uncertain about what to expect. Many people feel this way at the beginning, and you are not alone in that experience.

Finding the right counsellor is an important part of the process. The therapeutic relationship is central to effective counselling, and it’s important that you feel comfortable, heard, and supported.

For this reason, I offer a free 30 minute telephone consultation to give us both the opportunity to explore what has brought you to counselling and to see whether we feel we are a good fit to work together. There is no pressure to commit beyond this session, it is simply a space to meet, ask questions, and consider whether continuing feels right for you.