Business Details
10 Years
experience
Your Trusted Therapy Partner in Birmingham
Founded in 2016, Openforwards has established itself as a leading provider of evidence-based therapy and professional training in Birmingham, UK. Our mission is to empower individuals to overcome mental health challenges through practical, skills-focused approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR. Led by award-winning therapist Jim Lucas, our team brings decades of combined experience in delivering personalized care for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. We prioritize long-term wellbeing, offering tailored therapy plans and ongoing support until clients feel confident in managing lifes challenges.Recognized for innovation in digital mental health care and as the best CBT provider in the West Midlands, we combine clinical expertise with a warm, collaborative environment. Our services extend to individuals, families, and professionals seeking supervision and continuing education, ensuring accessible, high-quality care for diverse needs. With a 98% client recommendation rate, we remain committed to transparency, practical tools, and collaborative care that fosters emotional resilience and lasting growth.
Services
CBT Therapy
ACT Training
EMDR Sessions
Family Therapy
Couples Counselling
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and EMDR tailored to individual needs.
- Our team includes award-winning therapists with decades of clinical experience.
- We provide personalized therapy plans and ongoing support until goals are achieved.
- 98% of clients recommend our services based on measurable outcomes.
- We combine clinical expertise with a warm, collaborative, and transparent approach.
What people say
Effective therapy
Supportive environment
Practical tools
Experienced therapists
Personalized care
Services
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) at Openforwards helps clients challenge unhelpful thoughts and build healthier habits. Our therapists use evidence-based techniques to address anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. Sessions focus on practical problem-solving and skill development for long-term emotional resilience.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches mindfulness and values-driven living to improve mental flexibility. Openforwards world-leading ACT practitioners help clients reduce psychological distress and build meaningful lives through tailored interventions and training programs.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy accelerates trauma recovery by reprocessing distressing memories. Our specialists use this evidence-based approach to treat PTSD, anxiety, and performance issues, enabling clients to regain control and emotional stability through structured, compassionate care.
Couples Counselling
Couples counselling at Openforwards addresses communication breakdowns and relationship conflicts. Therapists guide partners in developing empathy, resolving disputes, and rebuilding trust through evidence-based strategies tailored to each couples unique dynamics and goals.
ACT Supervision
ACT supervision programs support professionals in mastering Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Led by peer-reviewed trainer Jim Lucas, sessions include skill development, intervention reflection, and creative experimentation to enhance clinical practice and client outcomes.
People
Jim Lucas
Founder & Lead Therapist
Jim Lucas is a renowned Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and ACT Trainer with decades of experience. He founded Openforwards in 2016 after transforming his own life through therapy. A BBC radio contributor and international conference speaker, Jim leads a team of skilled therapists committed to empowering clients through evidence-based practices.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
We offer CBT, ACT, EMDR, compassion-focused therapy, family therapy, and couples counselling, all tailored to individual needs using evidence-based methods.
Do you provide emergency mental health support?
No, we do not offer crisis services. For urgent help, contact Samaritans (116 123) or visit your nearest A&E department.
How can I book a consultation?
Complete our online form to schedule a consultation. Our team will contact you to discuss your needs and arrange a session.
Are your therapists qualified?
Yes, our team includes qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, and psychologists with expertise in evidence-based interventions like CBT, ACT, and EMDR.
What areas do you serve?
We provide in-person therapy in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and online sessions for clients across the UK.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Adrienne Grimsditch
Jun 18, 2021
Report
Jim supervises my private practice as a CBT and ACT Therapist. The supervision has taught me to bring more sensitive and experiential learning to my work with clients. Also more precision in terms of working with processes of change and acceptance. I have seen a major shift in how clients learn and understand their difficulties as a result. I would highly recommend him as a supervisor
Satty Sohal
Jul 22, 2020
Report
The best investment I have ever made. A genuine safe space and thoroughly professional. Highly recommended.
Christian Hughes
Dec 30, 2019
Report
Jim was my clinical supervisor for 3 years and I highly recommend him for his skills, experience and knowledge which have been invaluable in my own clinical development. If you want more than ticking the clinical supervision box and want to focus on development and honing of your skills with a supervisor who is on top of the evolving evidence base then you should have a chat with Jim.
Mark Riley
Sep 26, 2019
Report
Definitely recommended. Jim has helped me immeasurably over the years with his approach. I have the tools now to manage in life without the need of therapy.
Brian Pope
Jun 26, 2017
Report
Jim has been my clinical supervisor for several years now. He has an unusual understanding of current clinical practice and the context within which it is evolving. This allows for effective supervision, whilst encouraging and supporting therapeutic and business growth. I have no hesitation in recommending Jim as a Clinical Supervisor.
