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John Courtney

Counsellor for stress, relationships and trauma

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  • Stress and anxiety
  • Trauma and grief
  • Client-centred work

About John

John Courtney works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family difficulties, and LGBT concerns, among other issues. He uses an integrative approach that blends psychodynamic and client-centred ideas, and he is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He has four years of therapeutic experience.

John’s sessions focus on understanding what is bothering a person and where those feelings might come from. He aims to build an authentic relationship that allows people to talk through painful memories, current problems and patterns that repeat in relationships. He also helps with practical coping when life feels overwhelming.

His background brings together psychodynamic thinking with client-centred practice. That means attention to early experiences and patterns, alongside a focus on the person’s own goals and perspective. He draws on Jungian ideas and solution-focused techniques when they suit the work.

People come to him for a range of difficulties, including depression, work and career stress, parenting strain, low self-esteem and anger. He also supports people dealing with the aftermath of abuse and with relationship breakdown.

John says he understands how intimidating starting therapy can be because he has personal experience of seeking therapy himself. He works collaboratively to decide what to focus on and how to move forward, balancing reflection on past patterns with practical steps to manage day-to-day challenges.

How his approaches work in online counselling

Attachment-based work focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns. It helps with trust, relationship difficulties and recurring emotional responses. Client-centred work places the person’s perspective and goals at the centre of each session, supporting self-directed change and clearer choices. Psychodynamic work looks at past experiences and repeated patterns to understand how they affect current feelings and behaviour, which can be useful for trauma, long-standing anxiety and relationship issues.

Deciding which approach to use is part of the work together. The counsellor will discuss what feels most helpful, review progress and adjust methods where needed. This is a collaborative process based on the client’s goals and preferences.

Confirm the exact session formats before booking because the biography does not list them. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions around work, family and travel commitments. It also allows for shorter check-ins when needed or sessions without video if that suits a person better. Registered or accredited professionals offer these options, and the focus is on making counselling practical and accessible within everyday life.

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Sessions take place through BetterHelp by video, phone or messaging. We will earn a commission if you sign up.

Topics John lists

Ways of working

Questions about John

Does he help with anxiety and depression?
Yes. He works with anxiety and depression alongside related issues such as stress and low self-esteem.
What kind of counselling does he offer?
He practises an integrative approach using psychodynamic, client-centred, Jungian and solution-focused ideas depending on the client.
How much experience does he have?
He has four years of therapeutic experience working with a range of presenting concerns.
Where is he based and what are his credentials?
He is based in the United Kingdom and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Can I have sessions in English if I live abroad?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify particular formats.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start counselling with him?
Use the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.

This page is based on John's public BetterHelp listing and is not written by John. It is not a recommendation. If anything here is wrong, tell us and we will correct it.

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