- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Social anxiety support
About James
James Polledri is a BACP counsellor practising in the United Kingdom with 13 years of experience. He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and self-esteem concerns. James also lists social anxiety and phobia among his focus areas and supports people who struggle with confidence and motivation.
James uses straightforward conversation to help people name what is most troubling them. Sessions are conversational and practical. He listens for patterns in thinking and behaviour and helps people try different ways of responding to stressful situations.
People come to him wanting to manage strong emotions, cope with loss, or understand how past experiences affect current relationships. He outlines options together with the person and agrees on next steps. This might include small behavioural steps, new ways of thinking about a problem, or checking how changes are working in day-to-day life.
James aims to keep sessions predictable and clear. He explains what will happen in a session and checks in about progress from time to time. He encourages honest feedback so work can be adjusted as needed.
He notes that starting therapy can be difficult and that choosing to reach out is an important step. People who have felt watched, nervous in social situations, or unsure about speaking up may find it helpful to discuss these specific difficulties and practical coping options.
Approaches used online and how they help
James uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on what people do and think in everyday life. One commonly used approach involves identifying patterns of thought that increase anxiety and then testing different ways of thinking and responding; this helps people reduce the hold of anxious thoughts and try new behaviours. Another approach concentrates on gradual behavioural steps - breaking intimidating social situations into smaller tasks and practising them until they feel more manageable. These methods are useful for stress, social anxiety and problems that come from past difficult experiences.Finding the right approach is part of the work. James will talk with the client about their goals and preferences, then try methods that suit those goals. He checks in regularly and adjusts the plan if something is not helping. The choice of approach is collaborative and can change over time as needs evolve.
If you are considering online sessions, check the listed session options before booking to confirm what formats are currently offered. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments around daily life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people practise new skills in real settings and discuss how that felt in the next meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, grief, and self-esteem issues. Social anxiety and phobia are listed among his focus areas.
How would he work with social anxiety?
James uses practical conversation to identify unhelpful patterns and tries small behavioural steps to build confidence in social situations. He works collaboratively to find approaches that feel doable.
How much experience does he have?
He has 13 years of professional experience working with people on anxiety, trauma, grief and related concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is listed with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I work with him from outside the UK?
International clients are not currently accepted; sessions are offered to people within the United Kingdom.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.