About us
I’m Si, qualified counsellor. You’re the captain of your life. I listen with empathy. I'm completely real. I have a lot of life experience to draw on, including being a parent, and Grandad. I’m into believing you have what it takes, and that together we can explore anything in a safe space.
I will fully accept you, without judgment, evaluation, or fuss. We can unpack life together. “Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets” (Paul Tournier) Counselling is not a confessional, but a place to lose masks and get to know yourself, and work out who you are, and could be, without the expectations and demands of others. Including me!
I'm authentic, and completely real. Bit more about me: https://welldoing.org/article/meet-the-therapist-si-james
I’m into believing you have what it takes, and that together we can explore anything in a safe, holding space together.
Google “Kintsugi”. Your cracks, traumas, and life struggles should not be hidden or treated with shame. With healing, they make you look better.
Getting the right help with the right person is important. I offer a free 20 minute introductory call, so you can see whether I feel like the right fit for you- and no worries if I’m not right!
I am a qualified Counsellor (Level 4) and I have hold a Level 5 Child and Young Person Certificate. I have a private practice, and I work for two secondary schools (one comprehensive, one private)
I am a member of the NCPS. I have an Enhanced DBS certificate.
In training, I specialised in Person Centred work, and the Proactive Approach (for teenagers).
I am an adopter, with my wife, having two children with ASD, ADHD and SEN issues- I know this presentation and challenging landscape well. We quickly had to learn therapeutic parenting alongside the PACE models of Dan Hughes/ Bryan Post, and I attended Families Futures Neurophysiological Psychotherapy training levels 1 and 2 that taught me somatic responses to trauma and how to soothe and ground clients.
I’m good at relating to people and earning trust quickly. I am a warm and friendly counsellor. I enjoy regular supervision and don’t take work home with me and worry about it.
I work to the NCPS/ BACP ethical guidelines. I have worked with all genders (including trans people) ethnicities, language, creeds and age and I welcome all. I am committed to anti discriminatory/ anti oppressive practice and equal opportunity for all.
I have a lot of experience in dealing with the following issues:
· Teenagers
· Parents/carers
· Burnout and stress
· Women in caring professions
· Domestic abuse / stalking
· Family/relationship strain
· Trauma-informed support
· Anxiety
· ADHD and ASD/ Neurodiversity
· Separation anxiety
· Mental health
· Trauma
· Life transitions
· Helping professionals de-escalating distress
· Understanding different systems (i.e. family, social, professional, work/ life balance etc)
· Supporting vulnerable people
· Managing difficult emotional situations
Are you-
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or struggling to cope with relationships or family pressures?
A teenager (or parent of a teenager) dealing with anxiety, school stress, friendship issues or low confidence that is really affecting everyday life?
Someone who has spent years caring for others- but struggle to look after yourself?
Someone in a caring/ uniform job struggling with burnout, stress or trauma?
Someone who just wants to “pause the ride” and talk about things?
If so, I can help.
Im also interested in people who have endured toxic work environments and “moral injury” (the harm to one's values, conscience and worldview from witnessing or perpetrating acts that violate one's moral code- Psychology Today) I am comfortable with people following alternative lifestyles.
Training, qualifications & experience
I completed my Level 4 Counselling training at Boston College, and my Level 5 Counselling Children and Young People certificate via Teens In Crisis Plus.
I qualified as a social worker in 2002. I have applied to leave the register at present, whilst I pursue counselling.
Counselling qualifications
- 2014 Levels 1 and 2 Neuro Physiological Psychotherapy (NPP) (Family Futures)
- 2017 Level 2 Counselling Skills, CPCAB, Peterborough College
- 2018 Level 3 Counselling Skills, CPCAB, Peterborough College
- 2020 Studied 1 year of Existential Analytic Psychotherapy, SAFPAC (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy)
- 2023-2025 Level 4 Counselling Skills, AIM, Boston College
- 2025- present Level 5 Level 5 Certificate in Counselling Children & Young People, CPCAB, Teens In Crisis
- I am a member of the NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society)
- I have a rolling enhanced DBS
- I have regular clinical supervision with an Accredited Supervisor.
- I am fully insured with public liability insurance.
Member organisations *
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Areas of counselling we deal with
Other areas of counselling we deal with
I am interested in people who have endured toxic work environments and “moral injury” (the harm to one's values, conscience and worldview from witnessing or perpetrating acts that violate one's moral code- Psychology Today) I am comfortable with people following alternative lifestyles.
I’m experienced in working with both adults and children between 11-18.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£40.00 - £60.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
- I charge £40 per counselling hour for single clients (50 minutes- via telephone or video call) and consider discretionary reduced rates.
- I charge £50 per counselling hour for single clients (50 minutes- in person) and consider discretionary reduced rates.
- I charge £60 per counselling hour for walking therapy.
I offer a free 20 minute video/ phone call to see if we can work together
I currently have openings for sessions:
- Until September 2026, day times
- Evenings between 6pm and 10pm.
- Some early mornings by arrangement
- Some Saturdays after 1500
These times are evolving- so let’s chat to see what works.
Further information
I work within the Person-Centred model (sometimes called Humanistic, or Rogerian). That means it’s not life coaching, and I don’t tell you what to do (its non-directive, and no homework)
I believe you are the captain of your life -and know yourself better than me. You just might need to process things with someone who is empathic, and has a lot of life experience, and has developed insight and authenticity- to get a clearer picture of what could help you. I have cheerfully used counselling personally!
I also use the existential modality. This explores some big themes in life- such as death (in all its forms) meaning, isolation and freedom. It embraces spirituality- whether you have a faith, or just enjoy a sunrise on a mountaintop.
