Dr Chris James - artist, writer, researcher, critical theorist and transpersonal psychotherapist.
I am an artist, writer, researcher and transpersonal psychotherapist. My life-world is rich and rewarding and I would like to share my skills with anyone who wants to improve their life journey by exploring their deeper levels of consciousness and the unconscious and who may wish to work towards being holistically creative, confident and happy. People who choose to work with me engage in an exercise of self-healing. In this way, together we contribute to healing the world. In transpersonal psychotherapy everything is inter-related. Every individual earth-walk has an impact on the planet. The way we treat the earth is mirrored in the way we treat ourselves and all other life-forms around us. As we bring peace into our own lives so too do we begin to bring peace to other regions of the world; in this way we are one family, one consciousness, one universe.
I have a background in critical theory and radical politics so I imagine this makes me a 'radical' psychotherapist. By 'radical' I mean deep thinking and by 'psychotherapy' I mean psycho-awareness and/or 'know thyself'. In my role as a clinician I aim to get people to think deeply about their lives and emotions in order to bring about transformations. I believe that life is constantly shifting and transforming and to manage this well demands daily rituals and therapies. This requires a commitment. It means learning the art of mindfulness and conscious thinking. It means learning how to maximise energy and to tap into energies that lie hidden and untapped. It also means caring for our environment because the state of the world is reflected in our own state of well being and being with others. From nature we can gain strength and tranquillity as well as an appreciation of ourselves. When people are in pain they tend to inflict that pain upon those around them and consequently the world becomes a painful place for many. A broad reading of the laws of quantum mechanics suggests we can think the world into being a better place but it takes a high level of concentration, which must be accumulated en mass. At the core of my practice is learning this art of deep contemplation. In doing this we come to learn who we are and what we need to prioritise in life in order to be happy and fulfilled. We find life's true purpose and help the world as well.
I believe we can learn these enhanced skills through a number of enjoyable activities such as talking, walking, drawing, painting, beadwork and sand-play, writing, chanting, dream-work, listening to music, meditating, breathing and more. In transpersonal psychotherapy we learn to understand ourselves by discovering how to take control of our thoughts and emotions and how to transfer these into the external world in productive and meaningful ways. This has been my journey over many years and it has taken me across the world to experience a number of different cultures and belief systems, many of which are now being rediscovered and renamed by science, such as energy psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy and emotional freedom techniques. We can now blend the old with the new, the mythology with the neurobiology. We can become both spiritual and political activists as we learn the arts of personal power. By 'spiritual' I mean we can unlock the secrets of the unconscious and by 'political' I mean we can share the joy of personal power with others to improve the planet.
In transpersonal therapy, it is essential that the therapist recognise the need to reach a different level of consciousness both in the client and clinician, this leads to equality and an authentic experience where healing can take place. It is important to recognise that in healing ourselves we are also healing the world. In knowing our selves we can better understand the other person as well as the things that happen around us. We can learn to recognise our pains and alleviate them instead of passing on our bad omens. We can find satisfaction.
I offer a variety of different therapies to help individuals and groups to resolve conflicts and anxiety, to improve motivation and to grow within themselves. Everything I offer has been scientifically authenticated but at the same time I regard my practice as innovative and open to new ideas. I engage in regular professional development as is required by the ethical standards of the profession and I am fully registered with the appropriate governing body. Online counselling and psychotherapy is an effective, confidential way to seek help and direction. It is for those who want to better understand the meaning of life and have a deeper connection to the more mysterious elements of the human condition, sometimes called the 'spirit' or the 'soul'.
My philosophy is based on the belief that all life and matter contains energy, and when we are fully cognisant of ourselves as conscious, mindful human beings - a natural state of consciousness - we flow easily with life and feel the benefit of well being.
As all energy interacts, our lives and experiences are woven together with the rest of the universe so that we are affected by all the energetic influences that surround us. Transpersonal psychotherapy embraces all aspects of this dynamism in the belief that all pathways are valid and we travel through life to greater awareness and well being.
This site will provide you with access to healing, counselling and psychotherapy methods that are realistic, practical and effective. Through this site, you have access to professional counselling and healing from someone who is fully qualified in conventional methodologies but who is also open to exploration and change. You will learn to become your own psychotherapist. Your pathway through life is unique and I would feel privileged to help guide you through your journey to better health and well being and a meaningful life.
Dr Chris James