Somatic-Therapists

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Michael James, BACP

Somatic-informed counsellor and mindfulness teacher

MJ Portrait of Michael James

About Michael

Michael James is a counsellor with 28 years of experience who focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and related issues. He emphasises practical, present-centred work and uses body awareness alongside conversation to help people notice patterns that keep them stuck. Sessions are guided by what each person brings and by their immediate needs.

Michael’s way of working draws on somatic ideas and mindfulness framed as intentional awareness.

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Background and approach

He invites clients to notice how the body and mind respond in moments of stress, and then to try small, practical ways of shifting those patterns. This often involves gentle attention to breath, movement or bodily sensations alongside talking about what matters most.

He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take manageable steps toward a life they want. Attachment-based ideas inform how he understands close relationships and emotional bonds. Emotionally-Focused and client-centred approaches shape a calm, collaborative environment where the person’s perspective leads the work.

Michael has worked with a wide range of concerns across many years, from grief and depression to intimacy issues, addiction and career stress. He draws on that experience to tailor sessions to each person’s situation and goals. Practical exercises and reflective dialogue are common tools in sessions.

Sessions are available in English and can be arranged online by following the booking process. Michael describes mindfulness simply as intentional awareness and uses it at a pace that suits each client.

How Michael blends body work and talking online

Somatic work helps people notice sensations in the body and how those sensations link to emotions and behaviour. It often uses gentle attention to breath, posture or movement to help someone find new ways of responding to stress or trauma. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking small steps that reflect those values, even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. Attachment-Based Therapy pays attention to patterns in close relationships and how early bonds shape current reactions, which can help when relationship issues or intimacy concerns are present.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and then use somatic practices, ACT or attachment ideas as appropriate. That choice is collaborative and can change as the work progresses.

Online sessions give practical flexibility. Video calls allow for visual contact and the chance to guide gentle body awareness. Phone sessions suit those who prefer voice-only contact, while live chat and text messaging offer brief check-ins and written reflection. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to continue working across distances.
Book with Michael Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can Michael help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, grief, depression and a wide range of other issues listed in his profile.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions are person-centred and collaborative, combining somatic awareness, mindful attention and reflective dialogue to address patterns that cause distress.
How much experience does he have?
He brings 28 years of practice working with many presenting problems and life transitions.
What credentials and location are on his profile?
Michael is listed with the BACP and practices in the United Kingdom.
Which languages and international clients are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available online?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging for remote work.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
28 years
Licensed
Languages
English