Therapist
Chacko (James) Vadayil Varkey
PACFA
Experienced PACFA psychotherapist for relationship and trauma concerns
Continue with Chacko
Opens BetterHelp in a new tab. There you can look at online therapy options.
Step 1
- Values-based work
- Attachment focus
- Practical skills
About Chacko
Chacko (James) Vadayil Varkey is a PACFA clinical psychotherapist with more than 12 years of practice in Australia. He blends ideas from theology, criminology, psychology and family law to help people who are facing relationship stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. He speaks English, Hindi and Malayalam and aims to make first steps feel achievable for worried parents and individuals.
He uses approaches that focus on values, connection and practical skills. Sessions are conversational and grounded in everyday problems. He helps people name painful patterns, try new ways of coping, and practise skills that fit their daily life.
His work includes assisting people with relationship strains, attachment difficulties and complex trauma. He also helps with issues such as abandonment, adoption and foster care concerns, autism and Asperger syndrome related challenges, body image and co-morbidity. He describes therapy as a collaborative process where the person’s context matters, including cultural, spiritual and linguistic background.
Chacko also has experience in family dispute resolution through his role with the Attorney General's Office. That background informs how he approaches communication problems and blended family issues. He aims to keep conversations direct and practical, helping people clarify goals and next steps.
People who choose to work with him can expect a steady, respectful approach. He encourages honest talk about feelings and behaviour, and helps people set small, manageable goals. If you want to start, the typical path is to complete a short questionnaire and schedule a session.
He uses approaches that focus on values, connection and practical skills. Sessions are conversational and grounded in everyday problems. He helps people name painful patterns, try new ways of coping, and practise skills that fit their daily life.
His work includes assisting people with relationship strains, attachment difficulties and complex trauma. He also helps with issues such as abandonment, adoption and foster care concerns, autism and Asperger syndrome related challenges, body image and co-morbidity. He describes therapy as a collaborative process where the person’s context matters, including cultural, spiritual and linguistic background.
Chacko also has experience in family dispute resolution through his role with the Attorney General's Office. That background informs how he approaches communication problems and blended family issues. He aims to keep conversations direct and practical, helping people clarify goals and next steps.
People who choose to work with him can expect a steady, respectful approach. He encourages honest talk about feelings and behaviour, and helps people set small, manageable goals. If you want to start, the typical path is to complete a short questionnaire and schedule a session.
Step 2
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English, Hindi, Malayalam
Step 3
How therapeutic approaches guide online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps towards those values, even when difficult thoughts or feelings come up. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying practical strategies to change behaviour and mood. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in relationships and helps people develop more secure ways of relating by understanding past and present connection styles.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss your goals, needs and preferences and suggest which methods to try first. Over time the plan can change - techniques may be mixed to best suit how you respond and what helps in your daily life.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current online and in-person options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help people maintain continuity of care when routines change. The therapist will discuss practical arrangements and what to expect so sessions can work around family life, work breaks and other commitments.
Step 4
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, trauma and depression, plus related issues like abandonment, attachment concerns and body image.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a conversational, client-centred style that combines values-based and skills approaches. Sessions focus on practical strategies and clearer communication.
How much experience does he have?
He has 12 years of professional experience working across psychotherapy, counselling and family dispute settings in Australia.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is credentialed with PACFA and works in Australia.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English, Hindi and Malayalam.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin a therapy relationship?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Step 5