Simon Barkley, BACP

Simon Barkley helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, low self-esteem, grief and major life changes. He also supports people dealing with relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, career worries and compassion fatigue. Simon uses straightforward language and a calm, respectful manner to make therapy feel manageable from the first session.

He trained with a BA in Integrative Counselling and an MSc in Psychology and has eight years of professional experience. That background informs a practical approach to common problems such as addiction, bereavement and motivation. He aims to identify strengths and build small, achievable changes rather than promising quick fixes.

Simon draws on several well-known therapy approaches and adapts them to each person’s needs. He treats clients as the experts on their own lives and works collaboratively to spot blind spots and try different ways of coping. Sessions focus on clear, doable steps while also addressing deeper patterns that keep problems returning.

In sessions he listens without judgement and helps people name their feelings, think through choices and practise new ways of relating to themselves and others. He offers support for practical concerns like sleep and career alongside emotional work such as processing trauma and grief.

People who want a mix of compassionate listening and practical tools often find this style helpful. To start, he asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to his availability.

How Simon’s approaches translate to online work

Simon commonly uses Client-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening, empathy and helping people find their own solutions; it suits issues like low self-esteem, grief and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and uses practical exercises to reduce anxiety, tackle depression and change unhelpful habits.

Choosing the right approach is something to do together. He will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, try methods that fit the situation, and adjust the plan as work progresses. That collaborative stance helps make sure the therapy matches what the client wants to achieve.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm the available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is tight, and reduce travel time for people balancing work or family commitments. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises, worksheets and conversational techniques to suit remote sessions and everyday schedules.