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SB Portrait of Simon Barkley

Simon Barkley

Empathic, practical counselling for everyday struggles

BACP United Kingdom

Experience
8 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Anger
Approaches
Gottman Method, Client-Centred Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Simon

About Simon

Simon Barkley is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, anger, low self-esteem, grief and relationship strains. He also supports those managing life changes, sleep problems, career concerns and compassion fatigue.

Background and approach

Simon uses practical, conversational methods so people can start making small changes quickly. He draws on eight years of professional experience working with addiction, anger, bereavement and trauma.

He combines Client-Centred Therapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other methods to match what each person needs. This means sessions focus on what matters to the client and on tools that help in daily life.

Simon approaches therapy as a collaborative process. He treats the person as the expert on their own story and helps identify strengths and blind spots.

In sessions he listens, asks straightforward questions and suggests steps to reduce distress and build coping skills. People can expect clear, practical conversation rather than jargon.

Simon aims to help clients feel more motivated, clearer about choices, and better able to manage difficulties. He offers a calm, steady presence while people work through painful experiences and make changes.

He holds membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Sessions are offered in English and Simon works with clients across different locations in the UK and internationally through online formats.

How therapeutic approaches fit into online sessions

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on building a warm, accepting relationship where the client leads the conversation. It helps people clarify their own goals and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. The Gottman Method offers tools for improving interaction and communication in relationships and can be used to practise new skills in sessions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and then suggest which methods to try. This is a collaborative process and plans can be adjusted as therapy progresses.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy lives or limited local options. Video calls let people see non-verbal cues and work interactively. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can fit during a short break. Live chat or text-based messaging can be useful for brief check-ins, written reflection or when a client prefers to type rather than speak. Registered or accredited professionals provide these formats so clients can choose what fits their routine and comfort.

Frequently asked questions

What problems does he help with?
Simon supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, low self-esteem, trauma and grief. He also helps with relationship strain, sleeping issues, career concerns and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style?
He works in a collaborative, conversational way that treats the client as the expert on their life. Sessions combine listening with practical steps and exercises to try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has eight years of professional experience working with addiction, anger, bereavement, trauma and related concerns.
What credentials and region apply?
He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and practices from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported and can he see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts clients from other countries as well as the UK.
What session formats are available?
Therapy can be carried out by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counsellingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centred TherapyCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

8+ years

Registered with

BACP

Languages

English