James completed an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at Durham University in 2017 before undertaking his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Bath. During his doctoral training he pursued specialist electives in neuropsychology, including inpatient brain injury rehabilitation and outpatient neuropsychology, gaining skills in neuropsychological assessment and treatment. After qualifying, James worked with a diverse range of neurological presentations at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) in Frenchay. Alongside Totus, James also works within the specialist Major Trauma service at Southmead.
James specialises in goal-based Brain Injury Rehabilitation approaches for Aquired and Traumatic Brain Injury and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), with a focus on psychological adjustment and goals for meaningful activity and wellbeing.
James has worked in the NHS since 2018 across a range of health psychology services, including cancer care and the award winning staff wellbeing service at North Bristol. His clinical approach is integrative and person-centred, drawing primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, alongside other third-wave models. He has a strong interest in the use of technology to enhance psychological care and increase accessibility. His doctoral research involved developing a virtual reality greenspace tool to support staff wellbeing, due for publication later this year.
Outside of clinical work, James is a naturally creative individual with a diverse range of interests. He recently developed a free and interactive online tool to support values-based therapy, enjoys DJ’ing and runs a small online radio station, and is an active boulderer and amateur photographer. He values creativity and curiosity, both personally and professionally, and brings this energy into his therapeutic work.
