- PACFA clinical psychotherapist
- Adoption and foster care aware
- English Hindi Malayalam
About Chacko
Chacko (James) Vadayil Varkey is a PACFA clinical psychotherapist with 12 years of professional experience. He combines knowledge from theology, criminology, psychology and family law to offer practical, down-to-earth support. He speaks English, Hindi and Malayalam and aims to make the first steps of therapy straightforward and manageable.
James uses straightforward conversation and tried approaches to help with anxiety, depression, stress and relationship strain. He pays attention to attachment and trauma and helps people who are struggling with identity, codependency or difficult life changes. He also works with issues related to adoption and foster care when these come up in therapy.
His way of working is collaborative and calm. Sessions focus on what matters to the person in front of him - their goals, values and daily life. He draws on methods such as cognitive behavioural techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, and emotionally focused and attachment-informed work to shape sessions around real problems.
James also offers mediation skills informed by family law experience for people needing structured conversations after separation. He approaches those conversations with an eye for practical outcomes and respectful communication.
People can expect direct listening, practical tools and space to reflect. He aims to balance emotional safety with steps that lead to change. To begin, readers are encouraged to follow the site process to match and arrange a first appointment.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, depression and ongoing stress where people want clearer direction and more meaningful choices. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people build new ways of relating and feeling safer in close connections.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, history and what feels most helpful. Together they decide which combination of methods to try and adjust things over time based on how the sessions are going.
Please confirm available session formats before booking, as the listing does not spell out specific delivery methods. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins where needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let people continue care while they move or relocate within Australia. Appropriately qualified therapists will discuss practical arrangements and what will best support each person's needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English, Hindi, Malayalam
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist work with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, plus trauma and abuse. Additional focus areas include attachment issues, abandonment, adoption and foster care, and personality-related concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is collaborative and practical, using client-centred listening alongside structured techniques. Sessions blend conversation, skills practice and goal-setting tailored to each person.
What is his professional background?
He has 12 years of professional experience and a multidisciplinary background including theology, criminology, psychology and family law. He also works as a family dispute resolution practitioner.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is credentialed with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and is based in Australia.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English, Hindi and Malayalam.
Can people outside Australia have sessions?
International clients are not currently accepted. Sessions are offered to clients within Australia only.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin the process?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.