James Harris - MBACP (Dip)
About meI am a qualified counsellor/therapist holding a CPCAB (counselling & psychotherapy central awarding body) Counselling Diploma Qualification. I also hold a Certificate in Counselling Studies - CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) Plus a Certificate in Counselling Skills - CPACB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body).
I am a member of the BACP British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. The BACP is the main governing body for counsellors in the UK. Within the framework of the BACP I am required to abide to their ethical guidelines.
My experience of counselling has been gained through working for the NHS. During this time I have developed skills arising out of a range of issues seeing patients on a one to one basis in various GP practices. I have come to realise that everybody is different. No two people think the same. What suits one doesn't suit another and this is why I prefer an integrative approach which allows me to draw from a range of therapeutic styles.
My Practice
I practice in an integrative way using a range of therapeutic approaches. This means that I am not restricted to one particular type of therapy, for example therapy can be broken down into four parts:
- Person Centred - this tends to work in the "here and now" Ie what is going on in your life right now.
- Psychodynamic - this generally deals with the past it could be the recent past or child hood events.
- CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) - Cognitive, as the name suggests is about the mind, so generally looks at a person's thinking processes.
- SFT (Solution focus therapy) Solution therapy works in the here and now and seeks to find a solution to a particular problems or a situation and looks to make a breakthrough from what may appear unsolvable
These four approaches can be used singularly or they can all be combined in an integrative approach.
Within counselling it is hoped that a connection is made between you and your counsellor. This doesn't mean that you become the best of friends but it does mean that you can work together in such a way that a trusting relationship and therapeutic alliance develops.
Counselling is often helpful in bringing about positive changes within a person's situation. Sometimes in life we find ourselves stuck in a negative situation and no matter how much we try to get out of that situation it all look hopeless.
I work in a way to help my clients try to dispel that sense of hopelessness and working together we endeavour to bring about new hopes, a new sense of being and a new and confident independent you. Whatever you are going through right now or what you have been through in the past, counselling is generally helpful.
Often taking the first step is the hardest but once you have taken that step, further steps can be most rewarding.
I feel that within my practice empathy and compassion are key words. We work together at a pace that suits you but always keeping in mind that counselling is a process that can sometimes be pleasing, sometimes quite painful and sometimes truly wonderful. Wounds can heal. Hopes can turn to reality. Minds can be at peace.
I can be contacted at james@calmcounselling.com or tel 07709 059348. I offer daytime and evening appointments.