{"id":311,"date":"2024-03-17T14:22:15","date_gmt":"2024-03-17T14:22:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamescullentherapy.com\/?page_id=311"},"modified":"2026-05-12T15:24:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T14:24:18","slug":"are-you-ready-for-change","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jamescullentherapy.com\/","title":{"rendered":"Are you ready for change?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome – I\u2019m James – I am a skilled, understanding and open-minded therapist offering therapy online and in Exeter. I work with a range of clients with a focus on helping people to deepen their self-understanding, find ways forward in their lives and improve their wellbeing. I am highly qualified, experienced and BACP-registered<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I offer one free exploratory session to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"James<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Helping you to move forward<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Many people come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or alone with their experience. Our work together helps people feel more grounded, clearer about themselves, and more empowered to move forward in their lives. Whatever challenges you are facing, my approach is warm, thoughtful, and grounded in well-established psychological research. Together we can begin to figure things out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am available to offer counselling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples and small groups, in Exeter and online. I also offer walking therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carl Rogers, On Becoming a Person<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to take your next steps?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My approach – Supporting you <\/strong>in your<\/em> journey<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I am trained in person-centred psychotherapeutic counselling. Ultimately, my work is to support you in your own therapeutic journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I offer a genuine relationship where you are safe, accepted, supported, and appreciated. Together, we\u2019ll explore what you\u2019re experiencing. I will work to help you to heal where needed, and to help deepen your self-awareness, self-understanding, and self-acceptance, so that you can figure out your next steps in life. The value of this relational approach to therapy is supported by a strong body of research (see these meta-analyses<\/a>, for example).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance\u2026 provides illumination and healing.<\/em>“<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carl Rogers, A Way of Being<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst it doesn’t have to, it is the case for many people that our work will involve connecting with painful or confusing thoughts and feelings. Our sessions can be a space to cry, rage, ponder, and laugh \u2014 you are free to bring all and any experiences into our sessions. We’ll make sense of them as they are, and find a way forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve studied a variety of psychological and psychotherapeutic theories, which underpin my work. Sometimes, we might bring these ideas usefully into our conversations, and I also welcome exploring any theories or perspectives you find helpful or feel could be relevant to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, unlike some forms of therapy, our sessions won\u2019t generally be led by theory. My role is to hold a safe, non-judgmental space where you are supported in your own therapeutic process. This often involves examining your experience in depth, processing and expressing stuck emotions, and integrating the various parts of yourself. I will offer you my full and engaged presence and attention, and offer reflections, ask questions, and make tentative suggestions where experience suggests this might be helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have come to feel that the only learning which significantly influences behaviour is self-discovered, self-appropriated learning.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carl Rogers, On Becoming a Person<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people find that over time this kind of work helps them become happier, less anxious, and more congruent, integrated and sure of themselves. Sometimes change is gradual, but it can bring a deeper sense of ease, agency, integration and enjoyment of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a ‘person-centred’ therapist I am deeply influenced by the work of psychologist, researcher and philosopher Carl Rogers<\/a> (who was one of the leading figures in humanistic psychotherapy). Amongst many others, I am also influenced by Dr. Daniel Siegel<\/a>, particularly his work on integrating experience, and by Dr. Tara Brach<\/a> and her work on radical acceptance. If you would like to read more about how I work, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe boundary to what we can accept is the boundary to our freedom.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tara Brach, Radical Acceptance<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please feel free to get in touch. I offer a free exploratory session so you can get a feel for working together, without any commitment or pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where does therapy take place?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I offer counselling and psychotherapy both online and in person in Exeter. I can also offer walking therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online sessions take place on Zoom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In person sessions take place in our therapy room set within a small nature garden, located in the Polsloe\/Heavitree area of Exeter. It is a calm, private setting designed so you can feel comfortable and are able to speak openly and express yourself freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you prefer being outdoors and moving during our sessions I also offer walking therapy nearby. Walking sessions can take place in Higher Cemetery or Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter. (Some clients alternate between ‘in-room’ and walking sessions depending on the weather and how they are feeling on a particular day).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Session fees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

My standard fee is \u00a370 per session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think carefully about session fees and try to balance the need to make an income alongside making therapy accessible for people. <\/strong>If this fee would make ongoing therapy too costly for you but you would like to work with me, please feel free to be in touch. <\/strong>When I have space I offer a few sessions each week on a reduced fee<\/em> or low cost<\/em> basis. (If I don’t have space I can point you in the direction of someone who does). I also offer a reduced fee for those training to become counsellors and therapists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sessions usually last 60 minutes, with evening sessions (after 5.30pm) lasting 50 minutes. If you feel a different session length would suit you better, I\u2019m happy to discuss options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most clients have sessions weekly or fortnightly, but the schedule can be flexible to fit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note<\/strong> I have a 48-hour session cancellation policy. If you\u2019d like to read more about this policy before contacting me, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have any questions about fees, payment, or scheduling, please feel free to be in touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More about me<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I am a father of two in my late 30s living in Exeter. We previously lived in London, and I still love the city. Now, though, my partner and I have chosen to be in Exeter as we find it a great place for our young family. We have found good friends and a growing sense of community here. We enjoy days in the park, at the beach and on Dartmoor. We also enjoy times sitting with friends around a fire in the evening. I have also enjoyed meeting a very interesting group of people locally whilst studying a PG Cert in Psychedelics at Exeter University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my own time I enjoy walks on the Moor, socialising, listening to music, going to the occassional gig, thinking and studying. (I am a “sociable introvert” at heart).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I practice mindfulness and whilst I am not an adherent to any particular religion, I am open about the importance of a sense of spirituality in my life. I have an interest in Buddhist, Hindu and Taoist thought, as well as Western philosophy, psychology and Christian spirituality. These diverse traditions give me a perspective from which I find a lot of meaning in working as a therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the beach with family<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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At a music festival with partner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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James with Robyn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Exeter University study group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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James with Erin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"James
On Dartmoor with family<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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With the kids in sea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Cooking outside with children<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Enjoying the River Dart with a good friend<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My journey to becoming a therapist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I won’t go into detail here (although you are free to ask when we meet) but my own childhood was not entirely straightforward. I was affected by situations within my family and also by the cultural context and messages I received from a young age. I did well at school (I happen to have the right kind of brain for that kind of learning) but experienced periods of difficulty from a relatively young age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After leaving school I studied for a BA in<\/em> Philosophy, Politics and Economics<\/em> at Durham, and then went on to do an MA in Philosophy<\/em> at Bristol. (My focus was on the philosophy of ethics).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have always enjoyed being outdoors. Whilst I was at university I trained to be an outdoor instructor and expedition leader (qualifying as a Mountain Leader<\/em> with the Mountain Training Association). Whilst I was studying, and for a few years after I worked freelance on everything from small jobs with younger children camping in school fields through to mountain expeditions in the Scottish Highlands. I also did some overseas work – trips leading groups in Mongolia and the Himalayas stand out as particular highlights. These were some very enjoyable years of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst I really enjoyed working in the outdoors, by my late twenties I wanted a more settled life, and I trained to be a teacher (gaining a PGCE <\/em>at UCL). I spent 9 years teaching economics in inner-London schools. I gained as much education as I gave from some very inspirational young people – it was really tough but I gained a huge amount from my experience as a teacher (not least a little more humility!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my time teaching, a friend of mine started seeing a therapist, and whilst I wasn’t quite ready to admit that I was struggling, knowing that my friend was going made it easier for me to explore therapy as an option for myself. I was lucky enough to find Charles Olivier<\/a>. I am very grateful for Charles’ work with me. It allowed me to reconnect with some difficult emotions and I was able to start making decisions which served me and those around me better. I still model some aspects of my practice on the way Charles worked with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling the impact therapy was having on me I became very interested in psychology, initially doing a Graduate Certificate in Psychology<\/em> at UCL. This led me on to doing several counselling courses and eventually applying to study person-centred therapy at the Metanoia Institute<\/a> in London. I spent 3 intensive years training at Metanoia gaining a degree level Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling<\/em>, which is the basis upon which I work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I continue to study psychology, philosophy, and psychotherapy, both for my own interest and to develop my practice with clients. I am currently working on an MSc in person-centred psychotherapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A list of my academic and professional qualifications is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Areas of therapeutic work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There is a sense in which trying to separate one area of therapeutic work from another is a little artificial. On the other hand, I appreciate that if you are suffering in a particular way it might be helpful to know that a therapist can help with that particular experience. I can support you with the following experiences (and others that are not listed here):<\/p>\n\n\n\n