About James
Curious, down-to-earth psychology for real life.
James Pearlman is a registered psychologist who works with teens and adults across a broad range of personal, emotional and work-related concerns.
His style is curious, down-to-earth and considered. He is interested not only in the problem someone brings to therapy, but the person around it.
Before psychology, James spent years in the corporate world, useful perspective on workplaces, leadership, pressure and career change.
He aims to make therapy a place where people can speak openly, think carefully and do useful work on what matters to them.
- AHPRA Registered Psychologist
- Sydney
- In-person & telehealth
- Adolescents & adults
Life can present challenges that feel overwhelming, and my role as a psychologist is to help you navigate those moments with compassion, understanding, and practical strategies. Whether you're in a tough spot and want to get back to feeling like yourself, or you're in a good place and want to grow further and reach your full potential, I'm here to work alongside you.
I started out with a Bachelor of Economics, which launched me into a 20-year career in the corporate sector, working across sales and operations in industrial distribution businesses. I lived and worked throughout the northern states and territories of Australia, servicing industries like oil, gas, mining, and construction. Over time I moved into middle management and eventually into senior and executive leadership roles at a national level in the steel industry, leading teams and growing businesses along the way.
Throughout that career, psychology was always in the background of what I did, in how I led people, built teams, and thought about organisational culture. I was fortunate to have access to high-quality training in psychologically informed approaches to leadership and people management, and that exposure sparked something. I became genuinely interested in what makes people tick, what helps them grow, and what gets in the way.
That interest eventually became a decision: I retrained in psychology while continuing to work, studying part-time over more than a decade to complete my qualifications and registration as a psychologist. It wasn't the easy path, but it gave me a grounding in both the human and the practical sides of change, something I now draw on every day with clients.
I am an AHPRA-registered psychologist with clinical experience supporting teens and adults across the lifespan. My background in business and corporate leadership gives me a somewhat unique lens, I understand personal challenges and workplace challenges from multiple angles, having lived through both.
I hold a Master of Professional Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours – Psychology), and a Bachelor of Economics.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I take the time to understand each client's perspective, experiences, worldview, and values, and we work together to build a treatment plan that feels both supportive and effective. I draw on evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).
I'm passionate about helping people build resilience, find clarity, and move forward with confidence, and I have a particular interest in men's mental health, which I find deeply rewarding work.
Qualifications
Qualifications and professional background.
- Education
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- Master of Professional Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours – Psychology)
- Bachelor of Economics
- Registration
- Registered Psychologist, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Earlier career
Before retraining as a psychologist, James spent two decades in corporate sales, operations and national leadership roles, experience he now draws on when supporting clients through workplace and performance challenges.
Ready when you are
Start with a conversation.
You don’t need to know exactly what you need before getting in touch. James can answer any questions and help you work out whether an appointment is the right next step.