Simon Barkley, BACP

Simon Barkley is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing midlife concerns and related stresses. He supports those dealing with anxiety, addiction, anger, low self-esteem and grief. Simon aims to help people manage life changes and find clearer direction when routines and relationships feel unsettled.

He works in a person-centred way, starting from the view that each person knows their own story. That means he listens closely, looks for strengths and gently points out blind spots that might be getting in the way. Sessions focus on small, practical steps as well as on understanding how past events influence current choices.

Simon draws on a mix of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Client-Centred Therapy and Existential Therapy. He also uses elements of Motivational Interviewing and the Gottman Method when relationship issues arise. These methods are combined to suit the individual rather than following a single fixed model.

He has eight years of professional experience working with addiction, bereavement, trauma, motivation and self-esteem problems. Simon holds BACP registration, which is listed as BACP in his credentials. His background includes an undergraduate degree and postgraduate study in psychology and counselling.

People who meet him can expect straightforward talk, practical tools, and an emphasis on choices and values. He encourages a collaborative approach where goals and pace are set together. Sessions aim to make everyday life more manageable and more meaningful.

How Simon's approaches translate to online work

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person's experience. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects feelings and helps people uncover their own solutions; this can help with low self-esteem and life direction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings and behaviours and offers practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Existential Therapy looks at meaning, values and choice when people face big life transitions, and can help with midlife questioning and decisions.

Finding the best approach is part of the work together. Simon will discuss options and adapt methods to what the person needs and prefers. The aim is a collaborative process where goals and steps are agreed as therapy progresses.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm the current online options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow quicker check-ins when needed. Different ways of meeting can suit quieter conversations, shorter practical check-ins, or longer reflective sessions depending on what the client wants.