Simon Buckland

Do you feel that your life could be much more satisfying and fulfilling than it is? Do you get stuck in patterns of anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or self-doubt? I specialise in helping people to make the best of their gifts and potential, by working to remove the obstacles to growth and happiness.

Most of us grow up with negative influences around us: indifference, criticism, insecurity, rejection, even hostility and aggression. As we grow up we find ourselves absorbing these energies, and in adult life they show up as low self-esteem, as anxiety, as outbursts of rage or as depression. They interfere with our work, with our relationships and with our ability to enjoy and make the most of our own lives.

I'll work with you to get the negative voices and feelings under control, to create distance from them and allow your more positive and creative side to come forward. I’m kind, patient, perceptive and supportive, and I’ll never judge or criticise you..

I'm an accredited member of BACP, with long experience of personal development and psychotherapy both as a practitioner and as a participant. I trained at the Psychosynthesis Trust in person-centred and transpersonal counselling from 2012 to 2015, and at Relate in systemic and couples therapy in 2016-7.  So I'm able to take an in-depth 180-degree view of your situation - not only your family of origin, but also your current social , relationship and work circumstances. To see the big picture as well as the important details.

My own personal journey towards psychological well-being has taken me through many of the therapies I now practice. So I know very well from my own experience how daunting it can sometimes feel to choose to look at the darker and more difficult aspect of one's life.  I never underestimate the courage this takes, and I'm constantly moved and pleasantly surprised by the huge benefits it can bring. 

I provide a space where you can be seen and heard exactly as you are. You can share and give voice to feelings and thoughts which you could never express even to your nearest and dearest – knowing that it all stays in the room and is totally confidential. Whatever you bring to our sessions, it will be accepted and welcomed as a part of who you are.

Together we’ll explore the patterns of the things you do or say that you wish you didn’t, and the feelings and thoughts you wish you didn’t have. We’ll look at what triggers them, what makes them better or worse, and what the origins might be. You’ll learn bit by bit to be a wise and compassionate friend to yourself – to be your own counsellor in effect. That way you’ll gradually become able to support and guide yourself into a life which reflects the best of who you are. 

I usually suggest starting with a (free) 20-minute phone call to see if I'm a good fit for what you need right now. Then, if it feels right to you, we'll have an initial session to see how it all work outin practice.

I have a quiet and private consulting-room in my flat in the Preston Park area, near London Road Station, with plenty of on-street parking. Or if you prefer, I can see you online using Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or WhatsApp.