Simon Barkley

Simon Barkley is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction and grief. He also supports those coping with relationship strain, anger, sleep problems and big life changes. He draws on eight years of experience to listen, help clients spot strengths, and work toward clearer next steps.

Simon trained with a BA in Integrative Counselling and an MSc in Psychology, and he is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He uses a pluralistic approach, combining methods to suit each person's needs rather than following a single technique.

Sessions tend to begin by mapping what matters most to the client and building on what already works in their life. He focuses on practical ways to reduce distress, increase motivation, and improve self-esteem. That might include looking at thought patterns, testing different behaviours, or talking through personal values and choices.

People often come for help with trauma, addiction, bereavement and compassion fatigue. He also supports those dealing with communication problems, codependency, divorce and separation, and eating or substance concerns. His work aims to make everyday life feel more manageable and purposeful.

Simon describes his role as walking alongside clients without judgement. He offers steady empathy, helps uncover blind spots, and supports clients to set realistic goals. He welcomes questions about how therapy might fit into someone’s life.

Therapeutic approaches and online counselling

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and following the client's priorities, helping people feel understood and able to make choices that suit them. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour, offering simple exercises to reduce anxiety, improve sleep and tackle unhelpful habits. Existential Therapy invites people to examine meaning, values and life choices when facing loss, grief or major change.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, then use methods together that match those aims. This is a collaborative process and can shift as needs change.

Confirm the current session options before booking, since the biography does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also allow people to work with a registered professional in the United Kingdom even if they live elsewhere, while the practical arrangements are agreed at booking.