James Braun (he/him), MC, RCC · RCC #23840
Online counselling across British Columbia, including Saturdays.
People come to counselling for all kinds of reasons. Anxiety, stress, burnout, a loss, a change you did not choose, a space to talk about drinking or substances, or something you have been carrying on your own for a long time.
Any of it is enough to start with.
How I WorkStress and burnout
Work pressure, exhaustion, feeling stretched thin, or finding it hard to switch off even when you’re home.
Anxiety and low mood
Worry, overthinking, feeling flat, disconnected, or not quite like yourself.
Relationships and life changes
Breakups, conflict, grief, betrayal, family stress, work changes, or figuring out what comes next.
Patterns that keep repeating
We slow it down and get curious about the reactions, habits and relationships you keep ending up in.
From colleagues on Psychology Today
“James has a lovely way about him. He’s kind and curious. He offers deeply empathetic therapy that allows you to show up as you are. He also brings his whole self into the room so you are never doing the work alone.”
“James has the ability to create an affirming safe space where queer folks, and anyone seeking an open conversation about substance use, can feel seen and understood. His warmth, authenticity, and compassion make him an exceptional therapist.”
“James is a very compassionate counsellor. He has a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth presence. With years of experience supporting diverse individuals, James will help you feel supported through whatever life challenges you are going through.”
“James is a kind, soft-spoken counsellor who helps people feel genuinely heard and validated. His warmth, thoughtfulness, and commitment to continued learning and growth come through clearly in the care he provides. I’d highly recommend James as a counsellor!”
These are professional endorsements from other counsellors, not client reviews. Read them on Psychology Today.
Depth oriented counselling
A reaction that causes trouble now may once have helped you stay connected, avoid conflict, get through something overwhelming, or carry a feeling alone. We approach it with curiosity, and give it enough time to show us what it has been doing.
A recent moment where the pattern showed up.
Notice the body, feeling, thought, and impulse.
With permission, notice what the moment connects to.
An older belief, a younger part, or a need that had no room.
Meet the present without leaving yourself behind.
This is experiential work. It can be quiet. It can also be profound. We only go as far as is useful, and I keep checking in as we go.
Why I work this way
I studied Cognitive Systems at UBC, the science and philosophy of how the mind works. I have had a Buddhist practice since 2013, which taught me to stay with a feeling before trying to solve it. My own therapy changed my life and led me to counselling.
I hold a Master of Counselling and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC, RCC #23840. I keep training because I want a broad foundation and a precise way of working with what is underneath.
I am still in my own therapy. It keeps me connected to what it is like to sit on the other side of the screen.
Who I work with
There is no niche you need to fit here. At the same time, who I am and the places I’ve worked shape what I bring into the room.
I am queer, and some people choose me for that reason. I know what it is like to face systemic barriers and carry minority stress. Even if we’ve moved through some of the same spaces, your life is your own, and I want to understand how it has been for you.
Before private practice, I provided individual and group counselling at Peak House, a live-in treatment program for youth. During my practicum at Health Initiative for Men, I also facilitated substance-use groups. You do not need to identify as having a problem, and you do not need to want to quit anything. Maybe you simply want an open space to talk about substances. I can offer that space.
Practical details
Booking through Jane takes about two minutes. A card is kept on file and charged after each session. Jane emails you a receipt with my RCC number.
You can cancel or reschedule with no charge up to 24 hours before a session. Inside 24 hours, the fee is $50, with one courtesy waiver every 3 months.
Many extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and some plans cover a lot. Check yours.
By the end, you will have a feel for how I work and can decide whether another session would be useful. There is no commitment beyond the first session.
A few things people ask
It’s completely normal to be nervous, and showing up at all is a real step. We’ll start with the practical stuff, including how confidentiality works. Then I’ll ask what brings you in, and we’ll figure out together what you want from our work.
Almost everything we talk about stays between us. The few standard exceptions, required for any RCC in BC, mostly relate to immediate safety: if I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or if I have reason to believe a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, I’m required to act. A court can also subpoena records. I also receive clinical supervision and may discuss session details there so I can give you the best care possible. Outside those situations, what you share stays private, and if something ever might require breaking confidentiality, I’ll do my best to talk with you first.
Some situations deserve specific treatments I don’t provide, like EMDR, DBT, or exposure-based therapy for OCD and PTSD, and I’m glad to help you find the right person.
Relationship difficulties are welcome here. In individual counselling, we can explore what’s happening in the relationship, the patterns you find yourself caught in, and what you may be carrying into it. I don’t provide couples counselling.
Only with your permission, and only when it’s useful. The reason I may suggest visiting the past is that it’s often how to move forward: the present situation usually has roots, and understanding them is what can help with lasting change. We always go at your pace.
Yes, as long as you’re physically in British Columbia during sessions.
You can cancel or reschedule through Jane with no charge, as long as it is at least 24 hours before the session. Inside 24 hours, the fee is $50, with one courtesy waiver every 3 months.
If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out right away to 9-8-8 (Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline) or go to your nearest emergency room. I’m not available for crisis support between sessions.
A place to begin
You do not need to have anything figured out before you arrive. We can begin by making sense of what is happening together.
50 minutes · $155 · Online across BC
View available appointmentsI work every Saturday. Weekday times vary from week to week.
