James Kernan

I offer online psychotherapy for individuals and couples across Ireland and the UK.

Appointments are arranged by mutual agreement, with daytime and evening sessions subject to availability.

If you are considering therapy, you are welcome to get in touch to enquire about current availability or to arrange an initial assessment. You do not need to know exactly what you want to say or have everything worked out before making contact.

I aim to respond to enquiries as promptly as possible.

For further information or to make an enquiry, please visit:

www.jameskernanpsychotherapy.co.uk

My approach to psychotherapy is integrative, person-centred and relational. I believe that each person brings their own experiences, relationships and understanding of the world into therapy, and that meaningful therapeutic work begins with recognising and respecting this individuality.

I aim to offer a warm, thoughtful and non-judgemental space where you can explore your experiences openly, without pressure to be or feel a particular way. Rather than providing ready-made answers or assuming I know what is best for you, I see therapy as a collaborative process in which we work together to develop greater understanding, awareness and compassion towards yourself.

As an integrative psychotherapist, I draw on different therapeutic perspectives, adapting our work to your individual needs rather than following a fixed model.

I have over 15 years' experience working therapeutically with adults and am also a lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy. My experience includes supporting people with addiction and recovery, anxiety, low mood, mental and emotional wellbeing, relationships, identity, self-esteem and experiences of shame or disconnection.

My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming and informed by an understanding of how identity, culture, relationships and wider social experiences can shape our emotional lives. I recognise that difficulties do not always originate within the individual, and I aim to understand the whole person rather than reducing anyone to a diagnosis, behaviour or aspect of their identity.

Above all, I believe the therapeutic relationship provides an opportunity to explore yourself with greater honesty, curiosity and compassion.

I offer a welcoming, confidential and non-judgemental space for individuals and couples seeking psychotherapy. My practice is based in Belfast, with online sessions available across Ireland and the UK.

I recognise that deciding to begin therapy can feel uncertain, particularly if you have never attended before. You do not need to arrive with a clear understanding of what is troubling you or know exactly what you hope to achieve. We can begin wherever you are.

Our work starts with an initial assessment, providing an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to therapy, explore what you might need and consider whether working together feels right for you. There is no expectation to share more than you feel comfortable with.

Ongoing sessions provide a consistent space to explore your experiences, relationships, emotions and patterns at a pace that feels manageable. Some people come to therapy with a particular difficulty, while others are looking for a deeper understanding of themselves or the ways their past experiences continue to shape their present lives.

I work with a range of concerns, including anxiety, low mood, addiction and recovery, relationships, self-esteem, sexuality, gender, identity and emotional wellbeing. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, and I welcome people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

I believe therapy should be shaped around the person rather than expecting the person to fit a particular approach. My aim is to offer a therapeutic relationship grounded in respect, openness and genuine curiosity.

Initial assessment: £60

Ongoing sessions: £50 per 50-minute session

If you are considering therapy, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss arranging an initial assessment.

Our first session is an initial assessment, charged at £60. This is an opportunity for us to meet, begin getting to know one another and explore what has brought you to therapy.

I understand that taking the first step can feel daunting, particularly if you are unsure where to begin or have never experienced therapy before. There is no expectation to arrive with a clear explanation of your difficulties or to share everything about yourself in our first conversation.

During the assessment, I will invite you to talk about your current circumstances, any concerns you may be experiencing and what you might hope to gain from therapy. We can also explore relevant aspects of your personal history and relationships, where appropriate and at a pace that feels comfortable.

I will explain how I work, including confidentiality, professional boundaries and the practical arrangements for ongoing sessions. There will also be space for you to ask questions and raise anything you may be uncertain about.

An important part of this first meeting is considering whether we feel that working together would be appropriate and helpful. There is no obligation to commit to ongoing therapy following the assessment.

If we decide to continue, ongoing sessions are £50 for 50 minutes, with appointments arranged by mutual agreement.

Above all, I hope our first meeting offers a sense of what it might be like to work together in a thoughtful, respectful and supportive therapeutic relationship.