Simon Barkley, BACP

Simon Barkley is a BACP-registered counsellor in the United Kingdom with eight years of professional experience. He works with issues such as anger, addiction, stress and anxiety, and supports people facing grief, relationship strain, career pressure and changes in life circumstances. Sessions are conducted in English and he accepts international clients.

He uses straightforward, practical conversations that put the client's experience first. Simon describes people as the experts on their own lives and focuses on identifying strengths and blind spots. He aims to help clients reduce distress, boost motivation and improve how they relate to themselves and others.

Simon draws on a mix of approaches including client-centred work and cognitive behavioural techniques. That means meetings often combine careful listening with concrete strategies to manage thoughts, emotions and behaviours. He also uses existential ideas to explore meaning and the choices a person can make.

His background includes a BA in Integrative Counselling and an MSc in Psychology. Over eight years he has worked with people affected by trauma, bereavement, addiction and anger, alongside other concerns such as sleep problems and low self-esteem. Practical skill-building is a common theme in his work.

Clients can expect a calm, direct style that balances listening with actionable steps. Simon encourages collaboration on goals and next steps, helping people practice new ways of responding to frustration, resentment or repeated conflict.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online