James Leyland-Willows – Acceptance Is Key

Counselling: you don’t need the right words

Maybe you’ve tried to sort this out on your own and you’re running out of ideas. Maybe you’re not even sure what “this” is. Or you know exactly what it is, but when it matters, the words won’t come. Whichever it is, you don’t need to have it figured out to get in touch.

Reaching out can feel like a big step, whatever’s behind it. You’re welcome here exactly as you are, and we can start wherever feels right to you.

Where this can take you

My aim is to help you get to where you want to be. What that looks like is different for everyone. For some people it’s finding it easier to say what they mean to those closest to them. For others it’s simply feeling more like themselves.

You set the direction. Each session starts with you. Talk about what’s on your mind, take it slowly, or just see where it goes. Whatever you bring is the right thing to bring, and there’s no right or wrong in here. You work out what’s right for you, and I’m alongside you the whole way.

How I work

I have experience working with people on all sorts of things, from anxiety, stress and low mood to difficulties in relationships or just feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

I’m a person-centred counsellor, which means I follow your lead. You’re the expert on you. I accept you as you are, and I’m interested in whatever you bring, whether it’s something heavy or something we both end up laughing about. When you feel accepted by someone else, it gets easier to accept yourself, and easier to talk about things you never thought you’d say out loud.

I love this work, and I’ve seen first-hand the difference it makes to people. It’s the best part of what I do.

I also bring in some practical support when it helps, like breathing and grounding techniques for when stress or anxiety builds, or ways to cope when you’ve got a difficult conversation coming up. They’re just options to try, and there’s no homework.

Getting started

I offer a free 20-minute chat, just to meet and see how it feels. Tell me a bit about what’s been going on and what you’d like support with, ask me anything you like, and see whether I feel like someone you could talk to. I’ll explain how I work, and we can decide together whether it’s right for you.

Online or in person (Nottingham city centre), weekdays 9am–7pm. Other times may be possible, just ask.

When you’re ready, send me a message through the enquiry form or drop me an email, and I’ll get back to you to sort out a time.