My Approach

People often find it hard to find a counsellor because the variety of models and accrediting bodies can be confusing. I am 'Integrative' which means I am trained in and draw upon a range of approaches to counselling. Integrative counsellors take the view that there is no single approach that can treat each client in all situations. A key advantage of integrative therapy is its flexibility and focus on the whole of an individual.

We have all experienced times in our lives when we feel stuck or overwhelmed. You may be facing a period of depression or anxiety, having difficulties in relationships, finding yourself repeating unhelpful or destructive patterns, or just looking for a change in your life. I welcome the opportunity to help you through whatever it may be that you are going through with compassion and without judgement.

As an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, there are a number of elements that counselling with me may include. The ones we use will depend on your own preference and what you'd like to work on. These can involve:

Exploring how you feel, why you are feeling that way and how you can manage difficult feelings.
Exploring how your past influences you in the here and now. What we see during our younger years can often lead us to form distorted beliefs about ourselves and the world.
Exploring what stands in the way of you doing the things that make you happy.
Exploring dynamics within relationships whether that be with your family, colleagues, friends or partners and understanding what you can do to make positive changes.

If you have any questions about counselling with me please get in touch and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

About Me

Hi, I'm James. I'm an approachable and non-judgemental integrative counsellor and my private practice is devoted to creating a confidential and supportive environment for you to explore and work through issues that you are experiencing. I am based in central Norwich, very close to Tombland, and also work in East Green near Saxmundham on Fridays.

Before training as a counsellor, I worked within HR in the corporate world. I found what I enjoyed most was working with people at depth, and outside the bounds of rigid policies or institutional expectations. This is why I chose to train in the world of psychotherapy and counselling.

Finding the right counsellor to talk with is very important and can feel like a challenge in itself. I find the most reliable predictor of whether any therapy will be useful for someone is whether they feel an alliance with the counsellor they are working with. Attention to our inner lives requires respect and courage yet fosters greater understanding, healing, growth, and the making of a happier life. You can speak to me in confidence, I will be open, honest, and committed to our work.

I am committed to ensuring my practice is an inclusive and respectful space for all; regardless of sexuality, gender identity, race, religion, age, body size, or ability.

I am a fully accredited member of the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) and as well as my private counselling practice I have worked for the University of East Anglia's wellbeing service providing counselling to students and staff between 2015 and 2020.

I have experience working with trainee counsellors and welcome interest from all scenarios including those beginning their studies or looking to switch to an integrative counsellor for course requirements.  I do tend to only work with one client from each training group. 

I have experience with but not limited to: relationship problems, suicide, sexuality, infidelity, anxiety, depression, sexual issues, self-esteem, loneliness, addiction, gender identity, loss, bereavement, bullying, work difficulties, and family issues.

I work with

• Individuals
• Private healthcare referrals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

What I can help with

• Bullying
• Depression
• Divorce
• Employment Difficulties
• Family
• Identity Problems
• Parents
• Relationships
• Separation
• Sex Offenders
• Sexuality
• Stress
• Suicide
• Transgender