James Cullen

Overview

James Cullen is a skilled psychotherapeutic counsellor who offers counselling and psychotherapy online and in person in Exeter, United Kingdom. He works with individuals, couples and small groups, aiming to support clients through difficulties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, lack of confidence and challenges in personal growth. His practice centres on creating a safe, non‑judgemental space where clients can explore their experiences, build self‑understanding and work towards healing and personal development.

James’s approach emphasises the relational nature of therapy. He provides an authentic, human connection in which clients feel accepted, supported and appreciated. Sessions focus on bringing more of the client’s experience into conscious awareness to relieve pain, tension and distress and to move forward in integrated and empowered ways. He offers an initial exploratory session free of charge so clients can decide whether his style of therapy suits them.

Best for

This practice suits adults seeking support for emotional and psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, anger or self‑confidence issues. It is also appropriate for individuals and couples seeking to improve relationships, people exploring personal development, and those coping with addiction, bereavement, loneliness or questions around gender and sexuality. James welcomes clients who wish to integrate psychedelic experiences within a therapeutic framework.

• Adults experiencing anxiety, depression or trauma
• People seeking personal development or healing from past experiences
• Couples or small groups dealing with relationship difficulties
• Individuals dealing with addiction, bereavement, loss of meaning or loneliness
• Clients interested in psychedelic integration within therapy

Approach

James works primarily from a person‑centred perspective, informed by a range of psychological and psychotherapeutic theories. He offers a warm, authentic relationship that provides safety and acceptance, allowing clients to explore their feelings without judgement. Rather than prescribing solutions or leading sessions with theory, he listens attentively and facilitates clients’ own psychotherapeutic process. Sessions may involve talking through experiences, expressing emotions freely and considering how unconscious patterns influence present‑day challenges.

The therapeutic relationship is seen as a key mechanism for change. By paying close attention to what arises in sessions, James helps clients become more conscious of their choices and behaviours. He may draw on relevant theories or ideas when useful, but the focus remains on the client’s experience and self‑defined goals. Practices such as mindfulness meditation and journaling are suggested for those interested in continuing reflective work between sessions, as they complement the self‑understanding fostered in therapy.

Support

Support is provided through one‑to‑one psychotherapy, couples therapy and small group work. James offers online sessions via video as well as in‑person sessions in his therapy room in the Polsloe/Heavitree area of Exeter, and he also offers walking therapy nearby. Sessions typically last 60 minutes (50 minutes for evening appointments), and clients usually attend weekly or fortnightly, though frequency can be adjusted based on needs. He encourages potential clients to arrange a free initial session to explore whether his approach is a good fit.

James is committed to making therapy accessible. His standard fee is £80 per session; however, he offers a limited number of lower‑cost sessions for clients who may find full fees prohibitive and provides discounted rates for student counsellors and therapists. He has a 48‑hour cancellation policy and, when unable to offer lower‑cost sessions, will attempt to refer clients to other suitable services. All sessions are held confidentially, and he maintains professional boundaries and ethical standards.

Practical details

James Cullen operates in Exeter and online. Therapy takes place via Zoom for online sessions, in his therapy room in the Polsloe/Heavitree area for in‑person sessions, or outdoors for walking therapy. Sessions are generally 60 minutes long, with evening sessions lasting 50 minutes. Most clients attend weekly or fortnightly, but schedules can be flexible. Fees are £80 per session, with some concessions available. An initial exploratory session is offered free of charge, and booking is arranged by contacting him through his website or via email.

• Formats: individual, couples and small‑group therapy; in‑person, online and walking sessions
• Session length: typically 60 minutes (evening sessions 50 minutes)
• Session frequency: usually weekly or fortnightly, flexible by agreement
• Fees: £80 per session; reduced‑cost options and student concessions available
• Locations: therapy room in Polsloe/Heavitree, Exeter; online via Zoom; walking therapy nearby
• Initial session: free exploratory session to assess fit

Training

• Post Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy at the University of Exeter
• Degree‑level Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (person‑centred approach) from the Metanoia Institute
• Graduate Certificate in Psychology from University College London
• MA in Philosophy from the University of Bristol and undergraduate studies in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Durham University
• Currently pursuing an MSc in person‑centred psychotherapy
• Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• Ongoing professional development through study of psychology, philosophy and mindfulness practices

Disclaimer:
This description was generated based on information from the official website and other materials provided by the provider.