James Esses
barrister; social commentator; co-founder, Thoughtful Therapists

James is a commentator, writer and co-founder of Thoughtful Therapists.

He engages in advocacy on the impact of ideology on society. He has a particular interest in the topics of sex, gender and free speech, especially in relation to the medicalisation of children and the wider cultural, health, legal and political implications.

James writes for the Mail, Telegraph, Spectator and spiked, as well as for his own Substack. He also appears on GB News, TalkRadio, and a variety of other shows and podcasts.

James is currently involved in high-profile litigation, following expulsion from his Masters’ degree in psychotherapy, after speaking out about the medicalisation of children. He is suing his university course provider and therapeutic regulatory body for discrimination based on his beliefs and is crowdfunding his case from public donations.

Prior to this, James qualified and practiced as a criminal defence barrister before holding a number of senior roles in the UK Civil Service, including head of policy at the Crown Prosecution Service and head of strategic legislation at the Home Office.

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Sunday 29 October, 15:45 Old Office, Church House
‘Speaking as a…’: the tyranny of ‘lived experience’

Sunday 29 October, 17:15 Westminster Room, Church House
Politicisation of therapy