Counselling

Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Direction

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts (Psalm 139:23)

Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Direction differ from other forms of counselling because they focus on the central, spiritual core of our experience of life and of ‘self’.

The process of self-examination is one of the central spiritual practices in all religious traditions.

From the self-enquiry of Advaita Vedanta, taught by Ramana Maharshi, to the Vipassana meditation techniques of Buddhism; from Sufi practices to purify the heart and the early Christian insistence on confession to a trusted spiritual director; all spiritual paths have eloquently testified to the importance and power of looking within.

It is beautifully expressed in the ancient Christian prayer, the Collect for Purity of Heart: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

If you would like the chance to explore your inner world, in a spiritual context, and experience the greater freedom and self-acceptance that often follows, you might consider booking a session with James.

He brings a wealth of experience and training to the room.

James has a Certificate in Integrative Counselling from the Iron Mill College, Exeter, and a Post Graduate Diploma from the Tavistock Clinic, London.

His years practicing as a pastor, chaplain and priest, working alongside people searching for a better understanding of themselves, and a fuller experience of God, have equipped him to accompany people from all walks of life in all sorts of situations.

He welcomes those from any spiritual tradition as well as those with no religious affiliation.

If you think you would benefit from a one-on-one session with James please contact him on jrqclark@gmail.com