James Luff
BMus(hons) MA PGDip
Psychotherapist
BMus(hons) MA PGDip
Psychotherapist
I am a psychotherapist based in a peaceful, private room in the Lanes area of central Norwich.
I undertook my training at the Tavistock and Portman Clinic in London and the Norwich Centre, and have over a decade of experience working one-to-one in a variety of settings in both London and Norwich, including Islington Mind, Core Arts Hackney, Cruse Bereavement Support, The Wherry School and 4Cs.
Besides any particular therapeutic approach, it has been shown that the most reliable indicator of whether therapy might be helpful is if there’s a good fit between the therapist and the client. So probably the best way of deciding whether we could work together is to arrange to meet for an initial (free) conversation where we can both ask each other questions and get a sense of whether there’s a good fit between what you want and what I can offer.
info@jamesluff.com
ABOUT MY WORK
My work is grounded in non-directive and psychodynamic ideas. Which, very broadly, is to say that I see therapy as a collaborative process where we seek to understand your own unique internal experience, as well as looking at the underlying patterns and past influences that have led you to be where and who you are today. The work is flexible and explorative, rather than directive or diagnostic.
In essence, I see therapy as offering people a facilitative space to be truly heard and to better understand themselves. I aim above all else to be honest, non-judgemental and empathic, and if you feel that I am doing these things, then I believe we stand the best chance of finding insight or a path forward that is uniquely yours.
In our initial consultation we will discuss what has brought you to therapy, as well as any concerns or questions you might have about the process. We can then explore how we might continue, if that’s what you decide you would want.
Sessions are confidential and last for an hour. The cost is £60.
MY ROOM
I work in the upstairs room at The Ambry Clinic on Norwich Lanes. The room is comfortable, spacious and private.
Unfortunately, due to the layout of the historic building, accessibility is a problem for anyone that has difficulty with stairs. If this is the case for you, I can also offer sessions online.
SPECIALISMS
Alongside general counselling enquiries, I welcome the opportunity to work with people wishing to explore issues relating to spirituality, creativity, depression and existential concerns around life, death and finding meaning. By which, speaking very generally, I mean all types of problems with their roots in feelings of stagnation and lack of connection. I have found that this work often revolves around attempting a deeper understanding of who you really are, separate from the confusing swirl of demands, roles and expectations placed on you throughout your life by others.
I’m especially interested in working with creativity. Too often, creativity is seen as a kind of optional extra. Either it is a tool to be managed for better productivity, or something which is only for a particular type of person - you’re either born creative or you’re not. You’re either an artist, writer, musician or dancer or you’re not creative.
Whereas I see it diferently. I believe that without creativity, life can feel narrow and routine. It isn't just about what you produce, it’s about how you see the world and how you live within it. It isn't necessarily just about making something, it’s about finding a new sense of freedom and aliveness. Whether that appears in your art, your relationships, or your spiritual life, the goal is to help you live more authentically on your own terms and find your way back to a sense of engagement and freedom.
CONTACT
If you think you might like to work together, please send me an email. We can then arrange a free meeting where we can ask each other questions and attempt to figure out if there’s a good fit between us.
info@jamesluff.com