If you are on this page you are probably looking for support to make changes in your experience of life. Maybe you want to stop feeling depressed or anxious, overcome trauma, gain confidence, and grow. I am available and able to support you in the process of healing and change. Choosing a therapist can be really difficult. I hope this page will give you a sense of who I am and how I work. I also offer a free initial session so you can get a feel for whether I am the right therapist for you.
About me and my practice
The therapy I offer is centred around building an authentic human relationship with my clients, so that you feel safe, accepted, supported and appreciated. I offer total acceptance of clients, as they are, in the present moment. I have studied and understand a number of psychological theories and techniques, and at times these can enter into our dialogue in a useful way. However, by and large, my role is to hold a safe, non-judgemental space for my clients. In this relational setting, most people, most of the time, are able to engage in their own therapeutic work, figure out (with a little support) what they need to understand, and process stuck emotions and traumas.
A lot of the work happens between therapy sessions, with the therapy session being a place to feel and think out new edges in one's experience. Each person's process will be different, but over time I notice a remarkable level of convergence in the way people start to grow and heal, given the support I offer. People often end up making significant changes to their lives in ways they had not previously imagined possible.
This approach is known as the person-centred approach (which you can read more about on my website). A key tenant of this approach is that it is client led. We move at your pace. I won't push you into talking about or dealing with something you are not ready for. Nor will I pull you back from talking about whatever it is you need to process, even if that is very painful or upsetting to talk about and hear.
Experience
In terms of qualifications and professional background, I studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Durham, and then went on to do an MA in Philosophy at Bristol. (My focus was on the philosophy of ethics). I later trained to become a teacher, and spent 7 years teaching economics in inner-London schools where I gained as much education as I gave from some marvellous young people - it was tough but I got a huge amount from it.
During this time, I began my own therapeutic journey, and was lucky enough to find myself working with Charles Olivier, to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude for helping me become much more conscious of the choices I was making. I still model much of my practice on the way Charles worked with me. I became very interested in psychology, initially doing a Graduate Certificate in Psychology at UCL, before doing several counselling courses which eventually led me to applying to study the person-centred approach at the Metanoia Institute in West London. I spent 3 intensive years training at Metanoia, and came out a different person to when I went in. I gained a degree level Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling which is the basis upon which I work.
I continue to study psychology, philosophy, and psychotherapy, both for my own interest and to develop my presence as a therapist with clients. As mentioned, I am currently studying at Exeter, and later in 2024 will return to studying at Metanoia in order to gain an MSc in Psychotherapy.
Qualifications
Diploma (degree level) in Person-centred Psychotherapeutic Counselling - Distinction (Metanoia Institute)
Certificate in Psychotherapeutic Practice (Metanoia Institute)
Graduate Certificate in Psychology - Merit (UCL)
Post-Graduate Certificate in Education - Outstanding(UCL)
Masters in Philosophy - Merit (University of Bristol)
BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economic - First (Durham University)
Additional Information
I am a father of two in my late 30s living in Exeter. We previously lived in London, and I love the city, but my partner and I have chosen to be in Exeter as we find it a good place for our young family. We enjoy days at the beach and on Dartmoor. I am also studying on the Post Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy at Exeter University.
In my own time, I love long walks on the Moor, live music, and studying. I am interested in meditation and Buddhist and Hindu philosophies, and well as Western philosophy and psychology. These philosophies inform my work as a therapist.
Professional Membership
Registered Member MBACP
Professional Register
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Verified by Counsellingo on Tuesday, 26 March 2024
Initial Consultation
I offer a free initial session so that you can get a feel for whether I am the right therapist for you.
Fees
I charge £60 per hour (60 minutes).
However, depending on your ability to pay I can offer some flexibility on this for those for whom finances create a barrier to accessing therapy - this is something we can discuss in our initial trial session, which I offer for free.
When I Work
Flexible during the week. Usually during the working day, but I have some capacity for evening sessions too.
Therapeutic Approach
Person-centred, experiential
Video Platforms
Zoom, Telephone, WhatsApp video call
Pronouns
He/him
Area
Devon
James Cullen