James is a warm, approachable and compassionate counsellor who believes that therapy should be shaped around the individual rather than expecting the individual to fit a particular therapeutic approach.
Working integratively, James draws particularly on person-centred and psychodynamic counselling, while also incorporating practical therapeutic approaches where they may be helpful. At the heart of his work is the belief that feeling genuinely heard and understood can create the safety needed to begin exploring the things that may be troubling us.
James recognises that people often come to counselling because they feel stuck. You may understand that something isn’t quite right but struggle to explain why. You might find yourself repeating the same patterns in relationships, experiencing anxiety or low mood, being highly critical of yourself, or feeling overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions that seem difficult to control.
Rather than simply focusing on the symptoms, James is interested in understanding what may be happening beneath the surface. Our present-day thoughts, feelings and behaviours can sometimes be influenced by earlier relationships and experiences, even when we are not consciously aware of those connections. Exploring these patterns can help us understand not only what we are feeling, but why.
James combines this exploration with a person-centred belief that the client remains at the heart of the counselling process. He does not see his role as telling people how they should live their lives or providing all the answers. Instead, counselling becomes a collaborative process of curiosity and discovery, helping clients develop greater self-awareness, self-understanding and self-acceptance.
James has a particular interest in ADHD and neurodiversity, including working with people who have spent many years feeling different, overwhelmed or frustrated with themselves. Therapy can provide an opportunity to move away from constantly asking “What is wrong with me?” towards developing a better understanding of how you think, feel and experience the world.
His style is relaxed and conversational. James understands that beginning counselling can feel daunting, particularly if you have never spoken openly about yourself before. Creating a relationship in which you can gradually feel comfortable enough to be yourself is therefore an important part of his work.
Ultimately, James believes counselling is not about becoming a completely different person. It is about understanding yourself more deeply, recognising patterns that may no longer be helping you, and developing the confidence and freedom to make changes that feel meaningful to you.
James can support clients experiencing:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- ADHD and neurodiversity
- Low mood and depression
- Stress and feeling overwhelmed
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Relationship difficulties
- Trauma and difficult past experiences
- Anger and emotional regulation
- Bereavement and loss
- Loneliness and isolation
- Life changes and transitions
- Feeling stuck, lost or lacking direction
- Difficulties understanding or accepting yourself
Qualifications & Professional Background
- Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
- Integrative practice with a particular focus on Psychodynamic approaches
- Additional training in Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness & Prevention
- Professional experience within Occupational Health and workplace counselling
- Experience providing therapeutic and pastoral support within education
- Private counselling practice in Cheltenham and online
James continues to develop his practice through professional development, supervision and ongoing study of areas including ADHD, anxiety, attachment, trauma, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
