James Harrold - Intern Counsellor
he/him

Vancouver Location
Saturday 8 am - 3 pm
Sunday 3 pm - 9 pm.
My Approach
Welcome.
Whatever brought you here, I want to honour the courage it takes to seek support. You’re here because there’s something you want to change. I know through my own personal experience that transformation is possible.
Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or held back by anxiety or limiting beliefs. What if these struggles aren’t a reflection of who you are, but rather how you’ve had to adapt to environments or relationships that didn’t fully nurture or value you?
For many of us, these adaptations were essential to navigating stress or trauma. While they helped us survive, over time, those same coping strategies can become barriers, keeping us from thriving.
Therapy offers a space to untangle these complexities and make sense of your experiences. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS), we gently explore the layers of who you are, meeting and befriending the many parts of yourself that contribute to your unique whole.
Together, we’ll work to build new, compassionate relationships with these parts, allowing you to reconnect with your true self and create healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.
From an IFS perspective, therapy is not about “fixing” you, but about embracing and accepting yourself as you are. Whatever you bring into session with me, I won’t judge you. Welcoming every part of you can open the door to greater freedom, authenticity, and a deeper sense of who
you truly are.
Grounded in curiosity and empathy, my approach creates a space for self-discovery and healing. My invitation is to join me in a thoughtful process of inquiry; to slow down, tune into the present moment, and approach yourself with compassion.
Together, we’ll explore the different parts of your inner world and gently navigate whatever may be holding you back. I’ll support you in discovering what truly matters to you and help you cultivate greater self- acceptance as you reconnect with the wholeness of who you are.
Theories Influencing My Approach
As a practicum counselling student, I primarily work with Internal Family Systems (IFS). At the heart of IFS is the recognition that each of us is not a singular, unified entity, but rather a collection of interacting parts.
These parts often develop protective strategies that can lead to disconnection from ourselves, other people, and the world. IFS emphasizes fostering a compassionate relationship between these parts and our core Self, promoting healing and integration.
My practice is also influenced by existential theories that emphasize the depth and complexity of what it means to be human. I do not see myself as an expert imposing solutions but an ally, learning from and alongside you about the nature of your unique experience.
Following your lead, I work alongside you to guide and support an exploration of your inner world. My commitment is to the creation of a dynamic, collaborative space where healing and self-understanding emerge naturally, guided by your inner wisdom and supported by our shared journey.
A Bit About Me Outside Therapy
I am a father of two, and being a father is at the heart of who I am. For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of being a stay-at-home dad to my son, sharing in the daily joys and challenges of raising him from birth.
I was born in Montreal to English parents, and my early life took me across several countries: Germany at 5, England at 8, Scotland at 18, and finally Vancouver at 25. These moves shaped my love for travel and my appreciation for connecting with people from diverse cultures. It’s one of the reasons I value Vancouver so deeply; its cultural vibrancy feels like a celebration of the world in one place.
I live in Mount Pleasant, and spend a lot of time cycling around the city. One of my favorite spots is Jericho Beach, where I love unwinding and watching the bunnies. It’s a place that reminds me of the simple, grounding joys in life.
Therapeutic Interests
- Feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from your emotions
- Navigating rejection, abandonment, or aloneness
- Managing self-criticism and perfectionism
- Processing grief and loss, whether from recent experiences or unresolved childhood challenges
- Healing from the effects of childhood trauma
- Facing parenting struggles, including co-parenting or single-parenting
- Experiencing persistent feelings of unhappiness or a lack of direction and purpose
- Exploring and working through protective coping patterns that no longer serve you
- Helping men navigate and break free from restrictive societal norms to embrace a healthier, more authentic sense of self.
- Understanding and strengthening relationship dynamics
Testimonial
I recently had the chance to connect with James, and he was fantastic. From the very beginning, I felt like we were on the same page, which made it so much easier to open up. James has a great way of helping you work through things that have been weighing you down, all without any sense of judgment. Being able to talk openly and feel truly heard made a huge difference for me. Highly recommend!