Greg Simmonds

I currently have availability in Central London on a Friday and flexibility in Southend-on-Sea at other times.

Hi, I’m Greg. I am a BACP registered person-centred integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, and Central London.

My approach is grounded in warmth, empathy, acceptance, and a calm, steady and gentle presence. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space where you can slow down, explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly, and talk freely about whatever is troubling you. I believe that feeling heard, understood, and accepted creates the conditions for meaningful and lasting change.

Whether you're experiencing anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship difficulties, the effects of trauma, feeling stuck, or simply finding life more difficult than usual, I'll meet you with compassion, curiosity, and respect. Whatever has brought you to therapy, we'll work together to understand your experiences and find a way forward that feels right for you.

I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting. There's no right or wrong place to begin, and we'll work at a pace that feels right for you, with no expectation to talk about anything before you're ready.

I believe you are the expert on your own life. Rather than offering advice or telling you what to do, my role is to walk with you, offering support and gentle guidance as you develop a deeper understanding of yourself. When it feels helpful, I may gently challenge unhelpful patterns or perspectives, encouraging greater self-awareness and new possibilities for change.

I tailor my approach to your individual needs, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Where appropriate, we may also explore how past experiences and relationships continue to influence your life today, helping you deepen your understanding of yourself and move towards the changes or acceptance that feel right for you.

I offer face-to-face sessions in Central London and Southend-on-Sea, Essex, as well as online.

My work is rooted in the belief that a strong therapeutic relationship provides the foundation for meaningful and lasting change. I aim to create a safe, accepting and collaborative space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences without fear of judgement.

As a person-centred integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, I tailor therapy to your individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Together we will develop a deeper understanding of your experiences, recognize patterns that may no longer serve you, and identify meaningful, achievable changes.

Alongside my person-centred foundation, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches where appropriate. This may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which offers practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress and unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaviour. We may also explore how earlier life experiences and relationships continue to influence your thoughts, feelings and ways of relating to others. At times, I may encourage you to notice how emotions are experienced within your body, helping you reconnect with your lived experience and deepen your self-awareness.

Rather than giving advice, I see therapy as collaborative. My role is to support, encourage and when helpful, gently challenge you to explore different perspectives and discover your strengths.

I work with adults experiencing a wide range of challenges including anger, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief/loss, obsessions, OCD, relationship difficulties, sexuality, trauma, transitions, stress, identity-related and work-related issues. I have a particular interest in working with men and LGBTQIA+ clients. Whether you're facing a difficulty or wanting to understand yourself more fully, I'll work alongside you at a pace that respects your circumstances/goals.

I have a Psychology degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London.

Our initial session is an opportunity to explore what has brought you to therapy and to consider whether we feel like the right fit to work together. There is no obligation to continue after our first meeting. It's important that you choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, safe and able to build a trusting relationship.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about my approach or about therapy more generally.