James Yates
Psychotherapy & Counselling
Feel steadier, communicate better, stop repeating the same cycles
If you struggle with anxiety, anger, emotional numbness, compulsive habits, depression, or relationship friction, therapy can help you understand what is driving the pattern and begin to shift it. I offer depth-focused, practical psychotherapy in Exeter and online across the UK

You may be here because:
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you overthink everything but still feel stuck
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you shut down, lash out, or avoid difficult conversations
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you feel low, flat, or emotionally numb
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you keep repeating the same relationship patterns
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you know something needs to change, but cannot seem to shift it alone
Therapy offers a space to slow things down, understand what is happening, and begin responding differently.
Services
I offer a range of services,
1:1 therapy
Depth work for people who feel stuck, reactive, numb, overwhelmed, and want to respond with more clarity and control
Group therapy
A small mens group for honesty, accountability, and momentum. Practice real change with others, week by week
Couples counselling
A place to break conflict loops, rebuild trust, communicate without pointing fingers, shutdown, or escalation
Coaching

Non-clinical support for clarity, confidence, discipline, and direction. Practical steps with real accountability
How do I work?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes (I sometimes offer 75 minute sessions for clients who prefer it).
Therapy is open-ended because real change isn’t always linear. But it isn’t aimless. We agree what “better” looks like for you, track the patterns that keep holding you back, and review progress every so often, so you can feel changes where it matters: calmer reactions, clearer boundaries, better conversations, greater self-respect.
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Sessions are available in person in Exeter and online across the UK.
"James understood me very quickly. Every session I learn something about myself and the people around me. He knows his stuff well!"
"James has a way of getting straight to the heart of things without ever making you feel judged."
"There were times I felt challenged, even exposed, but always in a way that felt safe and respectful. Over time, I started to notice real changes - not just in how I think, but in how I show up in relationships and handle stress."
FAQ's
Will this actually work for me?
That depends on what you bring and how consistently we work, but it shouldn’t feel vague. We’ll agree a clear focus early on, track the patterns keeping you stuck (in emotions, relationships, habits), and review what’s changing every few sessions so therapy stays useful.
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
Only if it’s useful. We start with what’s happening now. If the past is driving the current pattern, we’ll go there, but always with the aim of making your present life easier, not digging for the sake of it.
How long will this take, and how often do I need sessions?
There isn’t a one-size timeline. Most people start weekly to build momentum, then review frequency as things stabilise. We’ll check progress every few sessions so you can see what’s changing and decide whether to continue, pause, or shift focus.
Get in Touch
Email: james@jy-psychotherapy.com
Or use the contact form to arrange a short consultation to see how we can work together.