Counselling: you don’t need the right words

Maybe something specific has happened. Maybe it's been building for a while. Or maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, and you just know something feels off. Any of those is a good enough reason to get in touch.

Sessions are your time. You choose what we talk about, and if you're not sure, that's fine too. We can start there. There's no right or wrong way to do this, and no pressure to have the words ready.

I work with adults from all walks of life. I have experience working with clients on all sorts of things, from what's going on in their relationships to just feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

When you feel accepted as you are, it gets a little easier to start accepting yourself. That's what the name Acceptance Is Key is about, and it's at the heart of how I work.

How I work

I’m James Leyland-Willows, and Acceptance Is Key is my counselling practice.

I work in a person-centred way, which means you lead and I follow. I won't tell you what to think or what to do. We work things out together, at your pace.

Counselling isn't about having the answers straight away. Some sessions go deep, some are lighter, and there's room for a laugh too. Whatever you bring is welcome, including the days you're not sure what to say.

I'm an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

Counselling and Mindfulness Support Tailored to You

What I offer

I offer counselling on its own, counselling with mindfulness, or mindfulness sessions on their own. We can talk about which suits you in the free chat.

Person-Centred Counselling

Talking therapy led by you. We explore whatever feels important, in whatever order it comes.

Mindfulness Therapy

Counselling with mindfulness, breathing and meditation woven in. Useful if anxiety or stress is part of what's going on and you'd like some practical tools alongside talking things through.

Mindfulness support

Mindfulness, breathing and meditation sessions on their own, to help with everyday pressures and give you something you can use day to day.

Support in the Way That Works for You

In person or online, whichever suits you

In person: at Nottingham Counselling Service in Nottingham city centre.

Online: secure video sessions, wherever you are in the UK.

Things people come to me with

Anxiety and panic

Stress and burnout

Depression and low mood

Grief and loss

Trauma and difficult experiences

Low self-esteem

Loneliness

Relationships and communication

Addiction

Life changes and feeling stuck

If what's going on for you isn't on the list, or you can't name it yet, you're still very welcome to get in touch.

Clear, Straightforward Session Fees

Initial video call: 20 minutes - Free

Person-centred counselling: 50 minutes - £45

Mindfulness therapy: 50 minutes - £45

Mindfulness support: 50 minutes - £40

Getting Started

I offer a free initial 20-minute call, just to meet and see how it feels, and whether I seem like someone you could talk to. You can ask me anything, I'll explain how I work, and then you can decide whether you'd like to go ahead. No commitment either way.

To arrange a call, send me a message using the form below or email heretohelp@acceptanceiskey.co.uk, and I'll get back to you.

Where I Can Offer Counselling

I currently offer counselling to clients who are based in the UK. Due to my professional insurance and my responsibilities around confidentiality and ethical practice, I’m unable to work with clients who are located outside the UK.

I therefore ask clients to confirm that they are currently based in the UK before arranging counselling sessions. Thank you for your understanding.

Qualifications and training

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

Accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

Diplomas in mindfulness, mindfulness teaching, meditation and breathwork

I keep training regularly through NCPS and Counselling Tutor. Recent training (2024–2026) includes anxiety, grief, trauma-informed practice, attachment, the nervous system, safeguarding and working with suicide risk.

Everything you share, from your first message onwards, is treated in confidence.

My Personal Journey

In 2017 I started having crippling anxiety and panic attacks, and they carried on for several years. Through therapy, mindfulness, meditation, Qi Gong and breathing practices, I slowly began to understand myself and find a way forward.

That led me to mindfulness, Buddhism, breathwork and, in the end, person-centred therapy. It was through the person-centred approach that I found out how powerful acceptance can be in understanding ourselves, our emotions and our experiences.

It's also what led me to become a counsellor. Today I love helping others explore what they're going through and find more acceptance of themselves and their lives.

That's where the name Acceptance Is Key comes from. Acceptance is at the heart of both Buddhist philosophy and the person-centred approach, and it's at the heart of how I work.