Gráinne James
Counsellor Coach Supervisor Facilitator
Client's experience of counselling:
People come to counselling for a myriad of different reasons. I sought counselling as I had reached an impasse in my life and needed support and guidance beyond that which I felt was available from my friends and family.
Significant change in my life had resulted in a sense of a lack of purpose and identity and after a period of personal reflection and self-evaluation, a friend recommended that I see Grainne for counselling, to share and explore my thoughts and feelings at a deeper level.
Grainne is an empathetic, and skilful counsellor and I greatly respect her professional knowledge and expertise in a variety of different modalities of counselling and coaching. Her manner, tone and warmth, encouraged me to share my innermost thoughts and feelings thus enabling me to explore my lack of sense of self-worth, identity and purpose.
I felt safe, secure and emotionally held in all the sessions, in the knowledge that I could trust Grainne implicitly -not to judge or advise- but just to listen and truly be with me on this journey. For me, counselling with Grainne was transformational, I regained my sense of purpose and direction, I established boundaries around relationships with others but most I importantly I have begun to understand my true self.
Amelia D
2020
I feel profoundly fortunate to have found Gráinne 6 years ago and have been working with her as my therapist since.
Having worked with a number of psychotherapists of different therapeutic approaches before, including a clinical psychologist, and now training to become a counsellor myself, I cannot praise enough Gráinne's skills, relatability, gentleness and wisdom. She not only helped me to free myself up from persistent and enduring mental health difficulties and the need for medication, but supported me in my self-development to build a life that is worth living; a life in harmony with my values, personality and ambitions; a life where I am realising my full potential in tune with my strengths and passions.
The journey with Gráinne is unparalleled; she made an exceptionally dedicated effort to get to know me, my background and cultural context, how I feel in my inner world, what makes me tick and what blocks me from flourishing; this process of discovery brought all aspects of me out into to the light also for myself, so that I could begin to shine with my own rays.
Gráinne’s unique blend of professional training, experience, curious and avid mind, humanistic values, deep empathy and a warm good heart, creates a safe and welcoming space, where I felt accepted and inspired to explore my deepest struggles, understand them and create new, more helpful meanings. No topic was ever a taboo; I felt profoundly listened to and respected to grow in confidence and courage to discuss even the most difficult and intimate subjects.
The positive change facilitated by Gráinne reached all aspects of my life, including career, professional development, close relationships, family, social life, goals and plans. I have never felt so much at ease with myself and so energised about the world, my life and my own growth; and so well prepared to deal with anything that may come my way, even the toughest of challenges. I can’t express how deeply grateful I am to Gráinne for the health and life she helped me to create.
In that 50 minutes session with Gráinne you feel you are the most important person to yourself. Even in your greatest despair, when you might have given up, Gráinne never gives up on you, she compellingly and earnestly perseveres to believe in you. She is one of the top counsellors, coaches and therapeutic supervisors out there.
Agata K
2020
"Grainne has a knack of listening to everything you say and then distilling it into something incredibly insightful and pertinent. She always managed to shine some light into the corners of my mind that I was unable to reach.
She also helped me tune into feelings and emotions I was not aware of and this was incredibly therapeutic. Thanks to Grainne I no longer feel numb and hopeless.
Grainne’s approach is warm and empathetic. I felt incredibly safe and supported in therapy with her. I was truly listened to and recognised as a whole person. Within just a session she knew exactly how to communicate with me and how best to help me share my troubles.
The therapeutic techniques I learnt from Grainne over 12 months or so were engaging, personal, and helped me move forwards every single time. As someone who has experience working in a mental health setting myself
I highly recommend Grainne as a therapist."
Ann F
2020
'I met Grainne at a real low point in my life when I was struggling to manage health related anxiety after a traumatic period of ill health. I was not enjoying life and in all honesty felt completely stuck. I had met other counsellors but from the moment I met Grainne I felt completely at ease and confident she could help and really understood. Over time we worked together to manage my anxiety with practical tips and emotional support every step of the way. Gradually, I had the confidence to make big changes personally and in my professional life which completely transformed me and helped me get my life back on track. I will never forget her kindness and professionalism and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Grainne to others.'
Claire M
2019
"It can be very hard to find the right person to trust when you are seeking counselling.
In my case I'm so glad I found Gràinne.
She welcomes me with genuine warmth and kindness, so it is easy to talk to her about anything. I've always found she listens actively, with intelligence and instinct.
She is always subtle and never invasive, but when she does provide feedback or suggestions, she will often turn the way I see a situation on its head.
This is just personal but I will leave her office feeling in control where before I felt in the middle of chaos. When I'm weak, she has shown me I am strong.
I've started to feel different about so many parts of my life since my first session and I admire the way she has been able to help me find my own voice, not impose her own thoughts, and it's happened almost without me realising- I feel more whole now, less confused, and braver. In some areas I feel like I've been given a new start, which I didn't even dare hope for.
I think Gràinne has a genuine talent for healing, or for helping people heal themselves, which is even better and far harder, and I'm grateful I met her.
Jessica
2019
Thank you Grainne. I am truly deeply grateful for the work you do.
Deeply grateful for the breadth and depth of your skills and experiences.
Deeply grateful for the safe space you have created that has allowed the wounded parts of me to come out into the light to be healed and reintegrated into who and what I am, and who I am becoming.
Georgie
2019
"Grainne over the last 10 months has been hugely beneficial as she gently worked me through all the low points and guided me to find that perspective.
I would always recommend Grainne to anyone looking for some kindness, and help to do some true soul searching. She has certainly helped me.”
Amanda
2019
"No thought or feeling is ignored and Grainne has really helped me to start valuing myself again. I feel safe sharing everything and her style of working is engaging and inspiring."
Robert
2019
“My journey with Grainne was painful, very emotional and extremely enlightening. She was there with me, she challenged me, yet had such a depth of understanding and what was revealed has been truly amazing! I feel so different now, have a far greater depth of understanding of myself and have learnt to listen to myself, both physically and emotionally. Now I feel that this is only the beginning, and the future looks a lot brighter and very exciting.”
Julie
2019
"Grainne has encouraged me to look for creative solutions, to discover my goals and to reveal the true me. I always feel uplifted afer talking with Grainne and feel that the experience is hugely beneficial."
Geri
2019
I cannot thank Grainne enough for helping to facilitate the most profound physical, psychological and spiritual growth in me over the last 8 months.
I have worked with a number of counsellors and her balance of listening, insight, challenge, companionship and the ability to hold a safe space is unparalleled.
I feel like Grainne always meets me in the middle, working with my own language and ideas and skilfully weaving them with me into new ways of thinking.
It is a delight to work with someone with an appreciation for not just the mind and emotions but also the role of the body and soul.
I originally sought Grainne for help with a specific therapeutic issue, what I found was someone who I can call on for therapy, support and coaching in many facets of my life.
Beth
2019