Larry Barnett

Working from a fundamentally humanistic base, I strive to work collaboratively, as a witness and exploratory therapy partner, offering a very practical, non-judgemental, down-to-earth, affirmative, caring, emotional and motivational support, within a confidential and safe therapeutic relationship, with gentle challenge, realistic considerations, and practical encouragement. An effective working alliance between client and counsellor is probably the single most important aspect of ANY therapy. In order to personalise your therapy, a proposed way of working has collaboration at its heart and works to accommodate your preferences (how you believe therapy might work for you.) This way of working challenges the ‘one size fits all’ view. Therefore I work with an openness to all approaches on the fundamental premise that each client is unique, and may simply need different things at different times. Taking that first step is key and research indicates that most people feel much better after starting therapy. This mindful, wellbeing activity is a great opportunity to unpack what's going on for you, and work on potentially better ways of living a more present, satisfying, and productive life. Given most circumstances or situations, I believe we all have internal and external resources, strengths, potential, and ‘solutions’ to most of our ‘problems'. The process of therapy can be as much about what you view as being 'right' with you as it is about what you view as being 'wrong' with you. During our time together it's hoped that you'll be able to freely express your feelings and concerns, genuinely feel heard, accepted, and respected, and attain greater levels of self-awareness and self-acceptance.

I have over 15 years’ experience, and have worked in specialist agencies, counselling cooperatives, and in private practice providing support for those suffering problematic drug & alcohol use, and other dependencies, relationship issues, and general problems in living. I also have extensive experience providing trauma-informed counselling support for male survivors of unwanted sexual experiences and have undertaken essential training by specialists in the field of trauma-work and recovery. I continue an upkeep of professional development training through workshops, online, and publications.