James Atkins BSc (Hons) Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, UKCP Reg.

I am 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.

Sometimes we have things that trouble us and we need help to resolve them. If we do not make time to seek help, the things that trouble us can become part of our everyday lives, part of who we are, making us unhappy or anxious, and stop us from functioning as we might.

Attention to our inner lives requires respect and courage yet fosters greater understanding, healing, growth, and the making of a happier life. I welcome the opportunity to see if I can be of help.

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.

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 in working with a wide variety of areas including but not limited to: relationship problems, suicide ideation, sexuality, anxiety, depression, existential crisis, sexual issues, attachment, self-esteem, abuse, loneliness, addiction, gender identity, loss, bereavement, trauma, bullying, work difficulties, and family issues.

Client feedback:

"I didn't believe anyone could help me before I met this man. James takes time to listen and understand. He is excellent at what he does. The progress we made has inspired me to improve other areas of my life."

"James addresses problems in a way that is very human. We worked towards understanding and solutions through personable conversation; often it was emotional, at other times we laughed, and sometimes we would respectfully challenge each other's opinions or beliefs. In this way, we found clarity in complex thoughts and feelings that I would never have otherwise uncovered"

"James' affable character is disarming and cultivated an environment in which I felt entirely comfortable sharing. And it was enjoyable, I looked forward to meeting James every week"