James Cullen

Welcome!

I currently have availability, and I see clients Monday daytimes, Monday evenings, Tuesday daytimes, Wednesday daytimes and Thursday evenings.

Sessions usually last 60 minutes, with evening sessions (after 5.30pm) lasting 50 minutes. 

Most clients have sessions weekly or fortnightly, but the schedule can be flexible to fit your needs.

If you have any questions about fees, payment, or scheduling, please feel free to be in touch.

Hello - I’m James – I am a warm, engaged and open-minded therapist working in Exeter and online. 

I offer one free exploratory session to everyone to give you a chance to get a feel for the therapy I offer, without any commitment or pressure.

You are likely here because something in your life feels difficult, stuck, painful, or in need of change. I work with a range of clients, helping people deepen their self-understanding, process difficult experiences, and improve their wellbeing. 

Many people come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or alone with what they are experiencing. Our work together can help you feel more grounded, clearer about yourself, and more able to move forward in your life. My approach is warm, thoughtful, and grounded in well-established psychotherapeutic practice. Together we can begin to figure things out.

I offer counselling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples and small groups, in Exeter and online. 

I also offer walking therapy.

I offer a therapeutic relationship where you are safe, accepted, supported, and appreciated. Together, we’ll explore what you’re experiencing. I will work to support you in healing where needed, and to help deepen your self-awareness and self-acceptance so that you can figure out next steps that are true to you.

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 — 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.

I’ve studied a variety of psychological and psychotherapeutic theories which underpin my work. Sometimes we might bring these ideas into our conversations, if it feels helpful. I also welcome exploring any theories or perspectives you find meaningful or relevant.

At the same time, unlike some forms of therapy, our sessions won’t generally be led by theory. My role is to hold a safe, non-judgmental space where you are supported in your own therapeutic process. I will offer you my full and engaged attention and offer reflections, questions, and alternative perspectives where experience suggests this might be helpful. The value of this relational approach to therapy is supported by a robust body of research.

Many people find that this kind of work helps them feel less anxious, more integrated, and more at ease in themselves. Change can be gradual, but it can bring a deeper sense of agency, clarity, and enjoyment of life.

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

I offer an initial exploratory session to new clients for free as a way for you to get a feel for what I offer and whether it feels right for you. Typically we will start the first session by the client explaining what has brought them to therapy. We can then discuss how we might work together so you are in a position to decide whether you would like to go forward with me.