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Michael James

Psychotherapist

Kendal, LA9 4LQ

Verified therapist

About me

I invite clients - whether single or couples - to use intentional awareness to examine the context of their lives including their relationships. In therapy we have the opportunity to reframe issues of identity and purpose and to facilitate meaningful positive change in our lives - as a 'solution focus'. The essence of my practice is both ‘present and person-centred' in that I am always led by the client's present needs and 'issues' as presented to me. In this way 'therapy' is always grounded in the trans-formative power of trusting and collaborative relationships. My practice is also 'trauma Informed' in that our presenting problems are often linked to the underlying effects of prior/present trauma. Such trauma can be healed through 'present-centred' body awareness that may incorporate a mindful practice coupled with a reflective dialogue to reframe meaning and direction to our lives. Some areas of my expertise stem from my own early life experience of anxiety/panic attacks and trauma. I understand that these issues can be 'overcome' and even be seen as a 'gain' that can help us to consolidate greater awareness and resourcefulness on our journey - from surviving to thriving. As a relational psychotherapist the efficacy of my practice is based on our first relationship - our relationship with ourselves! Many difficulties in our life may stem from patterns set by our earliest most significant relationships and life experience. This can result in issues such as 'low self-esteem, confidence and lack of motivation’. These can be reframed through a 'true' reflective dialogue, deeper understanding and our embracing of emergent aspects of our self. From 'wanting to choosing' - new ways of being and living. I describe aspects of my therapeutic approach as being ‘challenging’ though this would always be to the degree the client is ready to be challenged. In this way ‘challenge’ is always based on ‘trust’ and an openness to new learning for myself and the client. The Mindfulness element of my practice is seen 'merely' as 'intentional awareness' which can be applied by degrees from moment-to-moment as an enabling agent to help us to see our patterns of 'stuckness' - at the heart of many problems - and to move beyond them. Intentional awareness harnesses the simplicity of our own present awareness to see patterns of thoughts and behaviour and to help us to envision and embrace our 'solution'. ‘LIFE’ has shown that our suffering through a myriad of problems can act as a 'prompt' for us to examine issues of 'identity' and 'purpose'. These can be of a Trans-personal nature and can also be transformed through our own awakening - through the gateway of a present-centred intentional awareness.

28 years

 of experience

Speaks

 English

Type of sessions available

In person

By phone

Online

Areas of expertise

Anxiety

Sexuality and LGBTQ

Couple relationships

Affairs/betrayals

Intimacy

Bipolar disorder

Attachment disorder

Burnout/Work-Related Stress

Chronic fatigue

Autism/Asperger's

ADHD

Shame

Fees

Average session fee:

£65.00

Fee structure

Can make consessions on case by case basis

My working schedule

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Therapy offered

Person-centred/humanistic

Integrative

Existential

Body psychotherapy

Transpersonal

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

Client groups

Icon Adults

Adults

Icon Adolescents

Adolescents

Training and qualifications

I have a 1st Class Honours degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy - distinction MA in Integrative Psychotherapy - distinction. I am an accredited Teacher of Mindfulness. I have delivered trainings in Attachment Based Therapeutic Practice, Trauma Informed Practice and Healing Child Trauma Through Restorative Parenting. As a Senior Clinician I have experience as a Supervisor for other clinicians set in national organisations. I have completed a number of courses as part of my Continuous Professional Development (CPD) such as: Bessel van der Kolk MD – The Body keeps the Score – Trauma healing. Addiction, Trauma & Adverse Childhood Experiences. Janina Fisher: Shame and Self-loathing in the Treatment of Trauma. Spirituality and Supervision – Shohet and Wilmot. Working at Relational Depth with Mick Cooper.

Verified professional membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

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