James Blacklock

About James Blacklock (CBT & EMDR Therapist)

CBT & EMDR Therapist

Qualifications

BABCP Accreditation as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (2020)
EMDR Europe Accredited Training (EMDR Academy, 2022)
Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (Teesside University, 2018)
PGCert in Low Intensity Psychological Therapies (Newcastle University, 2014)
Certificate in Approaches to Long Term Conditions & Medically Unexplained Symptoms for CBT Therapists (Teesside University, 2020)
Certificate in Clinical Supervision for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practice (Teesside University, 2022)

Clinic Locations

About James Blacklock (CBT & EMDR Therapist - Whitley Bay)

James Blacklock is one of our dedicated CBT and EMDR Therapists at Newcastle Psychologist & Counselling, offering CBT and EMDR in Whitley Bay for adults experiencing a range of anxiety and stress-related difficulties.

He specialises in helping people understand and overcome anxiety-related problems such as panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, phobias, and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

James also supports clients struggling with low self-esteem, perfectionism, and stress, helping them develop the tools to overcome their challenges with confidence.

In addition to offering EMDR and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Whitley Bay, James integrates Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and mindfulness-based approaches into his work, providing a space where clients can learn to respond to fear and uncertainty with courage and kindness.

Experienced CBT & EMDR Therapist Newcastle

James has over 15 years of experience working in the field of mental health, much of which has been spent within NHS Talking Therapies services. Over this time, he has supported individuals with a wide range of anxiety and mood-related difficulties and has held senior clinical positions, including that of Senior CBT Therapist.

Alongside his clinical work, James is a Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at a university in the North East, where he leads the module on CBT for anxiety disorders.

Within this role, he teaches and supervises trainee CBT practitioners, sharing his specialist knowledge and passion for helping others develop their therapeutic skills.

Through both his clinical and academic work, James has developed extensive expertise in supporting clients to understand the nature of anxiety, reduce its impact, and build resilience through practical, evidence-based interventions.

Therapeutic Approach

James’ approach to therapy is grounded in the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and enhanced by Compassion Focused and Mindfulness-Based interventions.

He believes therapy should be a collaborative and empowering process, where clients feel safe to explore their fears and challenges while building new perspectives and coping skills. His sessions are designed to help people not only reduce their anxiety but also relate to it differently, with curiosity, courage, and compassion.

James also offers Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR ) in Whitley Bay for those affected by trauma, helping clients process distressing experiences and move towards recovery with confidence and clarity.

Background & Personal Interests

James’ interest in psychology and human behaviour began with a deep curiosity about how people respond to fear, uncertainty, and change.

He was drawn to CBT because of its practical, collaborative and empowering nature, and continues to be inspired by how small, intentional changes in thinking and behaviour can lead to profound shifts in wellbeing.

Outside of his clinical and academic work, James runs The Brave Calm Project, a creative platform dedicated to helping people face anxiety with courage and self-compassion.

Through this project, he develops accessible, evidence-based resources that blend CBT and compassion-focused ideas to support emotional wellbeing.

James also enjoys creating educational and creative content that make psychological concepts engaging, relatable, and human. James has a particular interest in how storytelling and metaphor can be used to communicate psychological ideas in meaningful and memorable ways.

Registered with Professional Bodies

James Blacklock (CBT & EMDR Therapist) is a registered member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), and EMDR Academy UK.

James offers face-to-face sessions at our Gosforth clinic, as well as online appointments using Skype, Facetime, Zoom & WhatsApp Video.

If you wish to discuss working with James or any of our therapists, psychologists or counsellors in Newcastle or online, contact us using the form below, or call us on 07966 645 198.