- Client-Centred focus
- CBT techniques
- Motivational interviewing
About Simon
Simon Barkley is a BACP-registered counsellor practising in the United Kingdom with eight years' experience. He works with anger alongside stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, grief and relationship concerns. Simon also supports people dealing with trauma, sleep difficulties, career changes and compassion fatigue.
Simon keeps sessions straightforward and practical. He treats the person as the expert in their own life and helps them spot strengths they already have. Sessions focus on identifying patterns, reducing unhelpful reactions and building clearer ways to manage strong feelings such as anger.
He uses approaches including Client-Centred Therapy, cognitive behavioural techniques and existential ideas to help people make sense of what they are feeling. Motivational interviewing and elements of the Gottman Method appear where relevant for relationship work. Simon adapts methods to the issue at hand while staying collaborative and goal-focused.
In work with addictions and anger he aims to break cycles of blame and escalation. That often starts with small, concrete steps such as recognising triggers, practising a different response and testing what changes in daily life. He also supports people coping with loss, separation and the longer-term effects of trauma.
Sessions combine straightforward discussion with practical exercises and reflective tasks between meetings. Simon explains each approach in ordinary language and checks it fits the person’s aims. He invites people to set realistic goals and reviews progress together over time.
Approaches used in online sessions and how they help
Simon uses Client-Centred Therapy to focus on the person’s perspective, listening and reflecting so clients can find their own solutions. This approach helps when anger feels tied to identity, values or long-standing patterns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is used to spot thoughts and behaviours that keep anger cycling and to try small, practical experiments that change responses. Motivational Interviewing helps when someone feels stuck or ambivalent about making changes, and it supports building motivation for steady progress.Finding the right blend of methods is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and then test which approaches fit best. That collaborative process means methods can shift as needs change, with frequent check-ins about what is or isn’t helping.
Session formats are not detailed in the biography, so please confirm the current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited and reduce travel. It also lets people try different ways of working such as talking through behaviours, using worksheets together, and practicing new responses in between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he work with?
He works with anger as well as stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, grief, relationship and trauma-related issues.
How would he approach my temper or outbursts?
He uses practical steps such as identifying triggers, testing different responses and building new routines to reduce escalation and regret.
What experience does he have?
He has eight years' professional experience, including work with addiction, anger, bereavement and supporting motivation and self-esteem.
Is he registered with a professional body?
He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?
He accepts international clients and offers sessions with people outside the United Kingdom in English.
Which session formats does he provide?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.