Keith Barber

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Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

London, E6
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

About me

Please note: I cannot at present accept new clients for psychotherapy.  I do have a few vacancies if you are seeking supervision.

I am registered with UK Council for Psychotherapy and work with a wide range of issues. I have particular experience of working with people entering or close to breakdown if you feel this might be your issue. Please see my full profile for details.

I qualified as a counsellor in 2000 after a three-year training, then did a further two-year training leading to qualification and registration as a psychotherapist in 2003. I work in private practice and offer a safe and confidential space where you can explore and address a wide range of issues. I think of it as a healing conversation where you can find ways to overcome or heal what ails you.

I use an approach called 'Integrative Psychosynthesis'. Psychosynthesis includes our conscious mind, traces of the past, unconscious aspects we struggle with (often emerging as issues for therapy) and a 'higher' dimension related to our deepest longings and sense of purpose in life. Those ideas are a framework for me to integrate - use methods and ideas - from a variety of approaches in the way that best serves your needs.

A metaphor I use for therapy is that of healing a wound in the psyche. Some wounds are trivial, maybe a necessary consequence of gathering experience of the world, and quickly heal themselves. But sometimes there's a more serious injury; if it doesn't heal properly at the time it may cause problems later. Therapy is where we uncover and heal that wound.

I work with the whole of who you are - your past and the influences that formed you, your present and what is happening for you now, and your future in the form of dreams, aspirations and fears. Much wounding happens before you had the capacity to remember, but the body remembers so I give attention to your physical presence. Dreams and imagery may open access to unconscious processes you can't reach in other ways.  Playing is how we learn best so I try to make it possible for us to play. Most wounds occur in relationship - or lack of it - so I focus on our relationship; in fact research seems to suggest the relationship with the therapist is the healing factor in therapeutic work. And I offer a safe space where you can work through difficult issues and try new ways of being that may feel awkward or scary.

I work with a wide range of people and issues. Diversity, social inclusion and justice are important to me and shape my practice. So I ensure I can see shift workers and I offer reduced fees for people on low incomes. I offer a therapy that men find useful and relevant. And I work with gender- and sexuality-diverse people, whether working with alternative sexualities (kink/BDSM) or just offering a place where they won't be judged.

I normally prefer to work face-to-face and in normal times keep online or telephone work so we can continue if you relocate or travel.  At present, and until the Covid-19 pandemic becomes less of a threat, all my work is online but I will seek to return to in-the-room work when practicable.  If you feel there are particular reasons a remote method of working would be appropriate throughout, I would be happy to discuss that with you.

Training, qualifications & experience

Diploma in Supervision:  2017

Certificate in Supervision: 2014

Diploma in Integrative Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy:  2003

Diploma in Integrative Psychosynthesis Counselling:  2000

22 years experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist in private practice, working with a wide range of people and issues. My clients come from many ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, cover the spectrum from early 20s to mid 70s and a variety of sexual orientations and identities. I work with childhood traumas, issues of sexuality and identity, midlife issues (including sudden crises), the struggle to build a life that is meaningful and the impact of ageing.

I constantly update and deepen my knowledge by attending training courses, workshops, discussion groups and conferences.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

UKCP
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.

As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.

UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

UK Council for Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

UK Council for Psychotherapy

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Coming out   Kink-aware

Fees

£75.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Unemployed

Additional information

My 'standard' fee for a client in full-time employment is £75 per session.

If you work part-time or are in low-paid employment we can negotiate a reduced fee.  This may also be possible if you are under some other financial stress such as heavy debts.

If you are 'unwaged' - that is, living on benefits or a similar level of income, I can offer low-cost work at £15 per session.  For this I would normally ask that we meet at a time when I would be less busy.

If your circumstances change for the worse during our work I am happy to alter my fees to accommodate your new situation.  If things improve for you financially I will ask for an appropriately phased change to a new level of fees; this will be subject to negotiation and I will be mindful that you may take some time to recover from a period of low income.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Monday - Friday, daytimes (first appointment 10am) and evenings (last appointment 9pm).

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Adults
Older Adults

Online platforms

Zoom

Supervision

In person
Online

I am a qualified supervisor with many years' experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist behind me.

View supervision profile