When past experiences continue to affect the present, EMDR therapy can help you process them and move forward.
EMDR therapy is most widely recognised for treating trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it can also be effective for a range of difficulties where distressing experiences continue to affect day-to-day life.
Traumatic experiences can arise from a single event, such as an accident, assault, medical procedure, or sudden loss, or from repeated experiences that occur over time, including childhood adversity, relationship difficulties, bullying, neglect, or workplace stress.
EMDR may help with:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Complex trauma
- Childhood trauma
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Panic attacks
- Phobias and fears
- Grief and bereavement
- Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs
- Stress and burnout
- Medical and health-related trauma
- Workplace trauma and critical incidents
- Distressing memories that continue to affect daily life
During an initial consultation, we will explore your experiences, current difficulties, and goals to determine whether EMDR may be an appropriate treatment approach for your needs.
Not all difficulties are the result of trauma, and EMDR is not suitable for everyone. Where appropriate, alternative approaches or additional support may be discussed to ensure you receive the most effective care.
Is EMDR Therapy right for you ?
Meet James
Hello, I’m James.
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I am an EMDR Therapist and BACP-accredited Counsellor with over 20 years of experience working across health, social care, and education.
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Since qualifying as a counsellor in 2013, I have worked extensively within NHS and private healthcare services, supporting adults affected by trauma, PTSD, anxiety, stress, and other emotional difficulties. I currently work within NHS services as a Counsellor, EMDR Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor, alongside private practice, supporting individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges.
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I have completed an EMDR Europe-accredited training programme and have extensive experience delivering EMDR therapy in accordance with EMDR Europe standards and NICE recommendations. Alongside my EMDR training, my background in counselling, clinical supervision, occupational health, and NHS mental health services provides a strong foundation for working with both single-incident and more complex trauma presentations.
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Over the past decade, I have accumulated more than 10,000 hours of direct therapeutic work, helping individuals process traumatic memories, reduce emotional distress, and regain a greater sense of wellbeing, resilience, and control in their lives.
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I believe that effective EMDR therapy begins with feeling safe, understood, and supported. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs, allowing therapy to progress at a pace that feels manageable and comfortable. I aim to create a professional and supportive therapeutic environment where meaningful and lasting change can take place.
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Whether you are experiencing the effects of a recent traumatic event, childhood trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or longer-standing emotional difficulties, I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive space to help you process what has happened, reduce distress, and move forward with confidence.
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Professional Background
Professional Background
- BACP Accredited Counsellor
- EMDR Europe-Trained Therapist
- NCS Qualified Clinical Supervisor
- Over 10,000 Hours of Direct Therapeutic Experience
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Currently Practising Counsellor, EMDR Therapist and Clinical Supervisor within NHS Occupational Health ServicesÂ
- 20+ Years’ Professional Experience Across Health, Social Care and Education
- Former Qualified Mental Capacity & DoLS AdvocateÂ
Why choose Plymouth EMDR?
Safe & Structured Therapy
EMDR follows a structured and evidence-based approach, helping you process distressing memories in a way that feels manageable, contained, and supportive.
Individualised Treatment
No two experiences of trauma are the same. Therapy is tailored to your circumstances, helping you work towards meaningful and lasting recovery.
Professional Standards
EMDR therapy is provided in accordance with EMDR Europe standards, NICE recommendations, and the ethical framework of the BACP, ensuring safe and effective practice.
My ClientsÂ
I support adults from diverse backgrounds navigating the complex impact of trauma, from single events to long-term challenges, providing a specialised and compassionate environment for recovery through evidence-based EMDR therapy.
The EMDR Therapy Process
Beginning therapy can feel like a significant step. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and informed before starting EMDR treatment
1
Initial ConsultationÂ
The process begins with an initial consultation, where we discuss your current difficulties, relevant life experiences, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This provides an opportunity to explore whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment approach for your needs and to answer any questions you may have.
2
Assessment Preparation and Stabilisation
Before processing traumatic or distressing experiences, time is taken to understand your history and develop effective coping strategies. This preparation phase helps establish emotional stability, resilience, and a sense of safety throughout the therapeutic process.
3
EMDR Processing
Once you feel ready, EMDR therapy focuses on helping the brain reprocess distressing memories and experiences that may continue to affect your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and daily life. Using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones, EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to process information and reduce the emotional impact of difficult experiences. Many clients report that memories become less distressing, negative beliefs begin to shift, and they develop a greater sense of control and perspective.
4
Integration and moving forwardsÂ
As therapy progresses, attention is given to strengthening positive beliefs, building confidence, and supporting lasting change. The aim is not to erase memories, but to help them become part of your past rather than continuing to affect your present.
5
Reviewing Progress and Next Steps
The number of sessions required varies depending on individual circumstances, treatment goals, and the nature of the difficulties being addressed. Some people seek support for a single traumatic event, while others may benefit from longer-term work involving multiple experiences or more complex trauma histories. Throughout the process, therapy is tailored to your individual needs and delivered at a pace that feels safe, manageable, and appropriate for you.
EMDR Europe-Accredited Training
Completed comprehensive, accredited training meeting the highest international standards for EMDR practice.
NICE Guidelines Adherence
All therapeutic interventions are delivered in alignment with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations.
NCS Qualified Clinical Supervisor
Providing high-quality clinical supervision for therapists, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of their clinical practice.
GDPR-compliant & strictly confidential
Committed to strict privacy standards and data protection, ensuring your information remains secure and confidential at all times.
Credentials & Professional Standards
Deeply committed to providing safe, evidence-based trauma therapy that prioritises client well-being and clinical excellence.
BACP Accredited Member
Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, adhering to their rigorous ethical framework.
Ongoing Professional Development
Commitment to continuous CPD and clinical supervision to ensure the most current and effective trauma support.
Fully Insured
Maintaining full professional liability insurance to ensure a safe and protected environment for all therapy clients.
Fully externally supervised EMDR practitioner
James receives regular external EMDR supervision to maintain safe, effective practice in line with professional standards.
Client Stories
“EMDR with James helped me make peace with things I thought I never could, it simply changed my life for the better in every way."
Sarah, Plymouth
 "As a person with specific communication requirements I was apprehensive about accessing counselling. James put me at ease immediately and understood my preferences making my experience of having EMDR for the first time a really positive one"
Sally, Tavistock
“After a traumatic event at work left me with severe PTSD EMDR sessions with James helped me heal and regain my confidence and passion for a career I was ready to leave after 20 years. James was extremely professional, knowledgeable and supportive throughout
Julia, Totnes