Meet James.
I am a qualified, integrative counsellor based in Bristol. Put simply, rather than applying a 'one size fits all' approach, using only one technique, it is more of a combination of therapies, tailored for each individual's needs.
I offer individual therapy to teenagers and adults in a number of areas (not an exhaustive list) including: Loss, Self Harm, Injury, Bereavement, Rape, Abuse, Stress, Anger, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD, Anxiety, ADHD, Habit/behaviour change (Including self-defeating), Depression Guilt/Remorse/Shame, Relationships, Childhood wounds or related issues
To ensure I am practising safely and to the best of my ability, I receive regular clinical supervision and attend a number of professional development courses each year. This is essential to both my practice and growth as a therapist. To ensure my work is compliant with the latest GDPR regulations, I am registered as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). I also hold professional indemnity insurance with Holistic Insurance and abide by the National Counselling Society Code of Ethics. NCS | Code of Ethics
Informal chat
I offer either an initial informal free 20-minute chat online or telephone to help you decide if I am the right person for you. This allows an opportunity for you to meet me, ask any questions and for me to meet you and explain how I work before making any financial commitment.
If you make contact and I am unable to answer, please leave a message and I will aim to respond within 24 hours (48 hours if you make contact over the weekend).
If you are happy to start, we would then agree on a day and time slot to commence regular sessions.
What does therapy look like?
This varies from individual to individual. Sessions are an opportunity for you to say things out loud, listen and connect with how you are right now in the moment as you explore your past or present. This is done in words, senses, images, feelings, or your breathing, at a pace comfortable for you.
During sessions, we may explore what is happening in the therapeutic relationship, as this provides an opportunity to work through patterns from the past or to unlock or hone in on your potential.
How long will we work together?
This is individual and also depends upon the nature of what you bring. Therapy can range from weeks to several years.
However, we would have regular conversations/reviews to ensure that your needs are being met.
Due to the person centred nature in which I operate, this is very much client led but I find it healthy for endings to be planned as they are an important part of the therapeutic process.
Session Duration and Cost
Sessions are for 50 mins each time and we would aim to meet on a weekly basis, mutually agreed at the same time and day of the week.
I currently charge £45 for individual daytime sessions and £50 for sessions after 5pm.
This is payable either in cash (at the session) or online 24 hours in advance of each session.
Relevant training, qualifications and experience
-
Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Practice
-
Level 4 Advanced Diploma (RQF)
-
Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory (RQF) – Vast experience in working with wellbeing and mental health in sport
-
Level 3 Certificate in counselling studies (QCF) City of Bristol College, Bristol
-
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in counselling skills City of Bristol College, Bristol
-
Basic Counselling Skills City of Bristol College, Bristol
-
Mental Health First Aider
-
Mental Health Awareness in sport experience with working with children and adults in a sporting capacity
-
CMI Award in Management and Leadership – Level 5 (With management experience)
-
CMI Level 3 Diploma in First Line Management
-
Emergency First Aid at work
What Clients Say
“I started sessions with James at a time when I didn’t know how to make decisions for myself. Going to therapy turned out to be the best decision of my life. He provided an open, non-judgemental, empowering space each week in which I learnt not only how to decide what was best for me in difficult situations but to value and respect myself, and listen to my own voice. I use the skills I learnt in those sessions every day. Life will always have its ups and downs, but I feel better equipped to ride them and I trust myself to give myself the time to explore anything that comes up. I started therapy during my most difficult moment, and I am now the happiest I have ever been in my life. For a large part I have James to thank for that."