Chacko (James) Vadayil Varkey, PACFA

Chacko (James) Vadayil Varkey is a PACFA clinical psychotherapist who blends psychological and pastoral perspectives. He draws on more than 12 years of experience and speaks English, Hindi and Malayalam. He aims to make first steps feel achievable for people feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

James comes from training in theology, criminology, psychology and family law. He has worked across many settings and with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. He also holds accreditation as a family dispute resolution practitioner with the Attorney General's Office in Australia.

In sessions he uses practical, down-to-earth methods. He focuses on helping people notice thoughts and feelings, try new ways of coping, and build clearer communication. He offers therapy for concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, trauma and midlife questions.

James also works with issues linked to attachment, abandonment and identity, and with people navigating adoption and foster-care histories. He has experience addressing personality and mood difficulties, body image concerns, codependency and communication problems.

People can expect a respectful, non-judgemental space where values and beliefs can be talked about alongside emotional and practical problems. He encourages small, manageable changes and honest conversation about goals and values. To start, clients choose the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling according to availability.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress and when people feel stuck. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people practise different ways of connecting and communicating. This can be helpful for relationship struggles and attachment concerns. Client-Centred Therapy offers a warm, non-judgemental space where the person leads the conversation and the therapist reflects and supports their exploration of feelings and choices.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then try methods together in a collaborative way. Clients can expect decisions about approach to evolve as therapy progresses.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can fit more easily into busy lives by reducing travel and allowing shorter or more flexible check-ins. It can also make it simpler to keep regular contact while balancing work, family or other commitments. Discuss session length and timing when you book so sessions match everyday routines and practical needs.