James Gould

Hello, I’m James.

I understand that reaching out for support can feel like a significant step. My aim is to offer a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental space where you can feel comfortable being yourself and talking openly about whatever is on your mind.

Life can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, low in mood, or struggling to make sense of our experiences. Therapy offers an opportunity to slow things down, explore what is happening beneath the surface, and develop a greater understanding of yourself.

As an integrative counsellor, I draw from different therapeutic approaches and tailor my work to the individual. I believe every person is unique, and therapy should reflect that. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, I work collaboratively with you to understand your needs, goals, and experiences.

Alongside my professional training, I bring lived experience of adapting to significant life changes following a spinal cord injury. While I would never assume to understand your experiences, I know how valuable it can be to have someone alongside you when life feels uncertain or challenging.

The foundation of my work is the therapeutic relationship. I believe meaningful change often begins when people feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to support you in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that helps you move forward.

I offer a free 15-minute introductory phone call, giving us the opportunity to talk and see whether working together feels right for you, without any pressure or obligation. 

I offer counselling for adults both online and in person around Exeter and the surrounding areas.

My approach is integrative, meaning I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to support each client’s individual needs. Together, we can explore whatever has brought you to therapy, whether that is anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, loss, self-esteem issues, life transitions, or a general feeling that something isn’t quite right.

I aim to create a space where you can speak openly without fear of judgement. Some clients come with a specific issue they want to work through, while others arrive feeling unsure about what they need and simply know that life feels difficult. Both are welcome.

Sessions move at your pace. I believe lasting change is more likely when clients feel safe, respected, and empowered within the therapeutic process. My role is to listen carefully, offer reflection and challenge where appropriate, and help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences.

I work with adults from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. As someone who has adapted to significant life changes myself, I have a particular appreciation for the challenges that can come with loss, adjustment, identity changes, disability, and navigating unexpected turns in life.

Whether you are seeking short-term support around a specific issue or longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, I offer a compassionate and collaborative approach tailored to your individual needs.