Jodie James
Counselling & Therapy in Manchester
If you’re going through a difficult time, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just not quite yourself, exploring within a safe, therapeutic setting can really help.
I offer therapy in Manchester in a calm, confidential space where you can explore what’s on your mind. There’s no pressure, no expectations - just the chance to be heard, understood and begin to process and heal. My approach is person-centred, which means we’ll focus on what matters to you, at your own pace. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need a place to start.
If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here to help.
Why choose to work with me?
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting, but it’s an important step. I aim to offer a calm, supportive space where you feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood.
I’m a level 4 qualified counsellor and a registered member of the BACP, with professional training grounded in person-centred therapy. You can learn more about my background and qualifications here. I bring this knowledge into our work together, while always keeping your individual experiences at the heart of the process.
No two people are the same, so I tailor each session to your needs and goals. Whether you're dealing with a specific issue or just trying to make sense of how you’re feeling, we’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you.
Talking Therapy with me is collaborative and grounded. I’ll bring care, curiosity, and professional experience, and you’ll bring the difficulty you are facing. We’ll take it from there.
My Therapeutic Approach
Every person is different, and so is every therapeutic relationship. I don’t come into sessions with a fixed agenda or set of answers. Instead, I take the time to understand what’s important to you and how we can work together in a way that feels helpful and respectful.
My approach is rooted in person-centred counselling. That means I’ll follow your lead, offering a space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment or pressure. You set the pace, and together we’ll make sense of whatever’s going on for you.
When it’s useful, I also draw on tools from Transactional Analysis (TA) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These can help us look at patterns in the way you think, feel, or relate to others, and understand how those patterns may be affecting you now.
Ultimately, therapy is a shared process. I’ll bring warmth, honesty and professional insight, and you bring your experiences, however you’re carrying them. From there, we begin.
How I can help
People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons, and you don’t need to have a diagnosis or a clear reason to begin. If something doesn’t feel quite right, that’s enough of a reason to reach out.
Here are some of the areas I commonly support clients with:
If you don’t see your situation listed here, that’s okay too, you’re still welcome to get in touch. Together we can explore what you need and whether therapy could help.
Based in Manchester, here to support you
I’m based in North Manchester and work with clients from all across the surrounding areas, including Whitefield, Prestwich, Bury, Radcliffe, Crumpsall, Blackley, Middleton, Salford, and many more local communities. Wherever you're from, if you're looking for support with your mental health, you're welcome here.
Finding me
I offer in-person counselling sessions at my therapy room in Whitefield, North Manchester. It’s a calm, private space that’s easy to reach from across the city and surrounding areas.
Address: 229 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 8GW. Find me with W3W or via Google
Getting here:
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By car: Free on-street parking is usually available nearby.
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By tram: About a 30-second walk from the Whitefield Metrolink stop.
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By bus: Local buses stop just a short walk away.
If you’re unsure about directions or access, feel free to get in touch - I’m happy to help you plan your visit.
Not local?
If you're not based near North Manchester - or simply prefer not to travel - I also offer counselling sessions by telephone or secure video call. This can be a helpful option if you're juggling a busy schedule, live further away, or feel more comfortable accessing support from home.
Therapy & Counselling Common Questions
How do I know if I need counselling?
You don’t have to be at breaking point to come to counselling. If something has been weighing on you, if you feel stuck in a pattern, or if you’ve noticed you’re not feeling like yourself, that can be enough of a reason to reach out. Some people come with a clear reason, and others just know life feels harder than it should. If you’re unsure, we can talk it through gently and work out what support would feel most manageable for you.
What if I find it hard to open up?
That’s completely okay. A lot of people feel nervous at first, especially if you’re used to coping alone, staying “fine”, or not wanting to burden anyone. You don’t need to know what to say or where to start. We can go at your pace, and you can begin with whatever feels easiest, even if that’s simply saying, “I’m not sure how to talk about this yet.”
Do I need to commit to a certain number of sessions?
No. There’s no fixed commitment. You’re not signing up to a set number of sessions just by getting in touch or booking an initial appointment.
Some people want short-term support around something specific, and others prefer longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns. We can review things as we go, and you can pause or finish whenever it feels right for you.
How do I schedule an appointment?
The simplest way is to contact me and share a little about what you’re looking for. If you already know you’d like in-person counselling in Manchester, it helps to say that, along with a few days and times that tend to work for you. If you’re not sure yet whether you want in-person sessions or online support, that’s fine too. You can just tell me what’s been going on, and we’ll work out the next step together.
What can I expect during the initial consultation?
Think of it as a gentle first conversation, not a test. You can share what’s been happening in your life, what feels hard right now, and what you’re hoping might change. I’ll ask a few calm questions to help me understand you and what support might be most helpful. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for me and how I work. If you’re looking for therapy in Manchester, we can talk through what would suit you best, whether that’s in-person sessions in Manchester, online sessions, or another format that feels easier.
How long do counselling sessions last?
Sessions are usually 50 minutes, which is a standard therapy length and gives us time to settle in, explore what’s coming up, and finish in a steady way. Shorter sessions can also be an option if that feels more manageable for your energy, anxiety levels, or schedule. If you’re unsure what length is best, we can decide together and adjust if needed.
What is the cost of counselling sessions?
My session fees are £60 for a clinical hour (50 minutes) and £30 for half a clinical hour (25 minutes). If you’re considering counselling, it can help to think about what feels sustainable for you, not just financially but emotionally and practically too. If you have questions about pricing, or you’re not sure what to book, you can ask when you get in touch. I’d always rather you asked than felt anxious about it.
Will my counselling sessions be confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a key part of therapy feeling safe. What you share in sessions stays private, and I take that responsibility seriously.
There are a small number of exceptions, usually linked to serious risk of harm or legal requirements. I’ll explain these clearly at the start, and if anything ever came up that affected confidentiality, I would aim to talk it through with you wherever possible.
Can I switch between different session formats (face-to-face, Zoom, telephone, walking therapy)?
Yes. Flexibility can really help, especially when life is busy or when your capacity changes week to week. Some people prefer in-person therapy in Manchester when they can, and switch to online or telephone sessions when work, travel, or energy levels make that easier.
If you’d like to switch formats, just let me know. We’ll agree what feels realistic and supportive, and we can keep it flexible rather than rigid.
How do I know if your counselling services are the right fit for me?
The relationship matters. You should feel listened to, respected, and not judged. It’s important that you feel able to be yourself, even if you’re anxious, uncertain, or not sure what you need yet. If you’re looking for a therapist in Manchester, the initial consultation is the simplest way to get a sense of how it feels to talk together. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s okay, and we can think about what would suit you better.
Help, Support & Guidance
