Leigh Barber

A conversation with Leigh Barber

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  I chose counselling because my life and work have consistently placed me alongside people during times of challenge, change, and growth. Through years as a father and step-father, working in the building trade, disability support, and education, I saw how unspoken stress, unmet emotional needs, and life pressures can deeply affect individuals and families. I also witnessed how meaningful change occurs when people feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. Counselling allows me to combine lived experience with professional skill to create a safe, practical, and respectful space where people can explore difficulties, build insight, and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  My professional development has been influenced by humanistic and person-centred philosophy, grounded in the belief that people have an innate capacity for growth when met with empathy, authenticity, and respect. I also draw on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help clients recognise and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to support psychological flexibility, values-based living, and meaningful change. A trauma-informed lens underpins my work, ensuring emotional safety, trust, and collaboration—particularly important when supporting men and couples navigating stress, relationship conflict, emotional shutdown, or life transitions. My approach is practical, strengths-focused, and supportive of developing insight, accountability, and healthier patterns of connection.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  I am particularly interested in the emotional and relational aspects of the human journey, especially how people cope with stress, identity, responsibility, and connection across different life stages. I have a strong focus on men’s mental health, relationship dynamics, and the impact of unresolved experiences on behaviour, communication, and self-worth. I am also deeply interested in how trauma, life transitions, and cumulative pressure affect emotional regulation, intimacy, and decision-making. Supporting individuals and couples to develop insight, resilience, and healthier patterns of connection is a central focus of my work.

• What methods do you use?

  I use an integrative and evidence-informed approach tailored to each client’s needs. My work draws on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address unhelpful thinking patterns, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to build psychological flexibility and values-based action, and person-centred counselling to create a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental space. I also work from a trauma-informed framework, prioritising emotional safety, trust, and collaboration. With men and couples, I focus on practical strategies, emotional regulation, communication skills, and strengthening insight to support meaningful and sustainable change.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  Progress looks different for everyone, but many clients begin to notice small shifts within the first few sessions. This may include feeling heard and understood, gaining clarity around their challenges, or developing practical strategies to better manage thoughts, emotions, or relationships. More sustained change often develops over time as insight deepens, new skills are practised, and patterns are gradually reshaped. I work collaboratively with clients to regularly review progress and ensure therapy remains aligned with their goals and pace.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Counselling has helped me develop deeper self-awareness, emotional insight, and a stronger understanding of how experiences shape behaviour and relationships. It has reinforced the importance of reflection, accountability, and healthy communication, both personally and professionally. Experiencing counselling from the client’s perspective has strengthened my belief in the value of a safe, respectful space where people can explore challenges without judgement and work toward meaningful change. This experience continues to inform my practice and the way I support others.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  What I value most about being a therapist is the opportunity to walk alongside people during moments of vulnerability, growth, and change. I find meaning in creating a safe and respectful space where individuals and couples feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. Witnessing clients gain insight, build resilience, improve their relationships, and reconnect with their sense of agency is deeply rewarding. Being trusted with people’s stories is a privilege, and supporting meaningful, real-world change is what continues to motivate my work.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Yes, have you seen my hair lately?, just like everyone, I have “bad hair” days! I think it’s important to remember that we’re all human, and life isn’t always perfect. I bring the same honesty, authenticity, and down-to-earth approach to counselling, helping clients feel safe to explore challenges without pressure to be “perfect.”

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  I believe one of the most significant challenges today is the widespread disconnection, from ourselves, from each other, and from the support we need to thrive. Many people struggle with stress, loneliness, and unresolved emotional experiences, which can impact mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing. This disconnection often underlies many personal and social problems, and supporting people to reconnect with their emotions, values, and meaningful relationships is at the heart of my work as a counsellor.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  One book that has inspired me, after the death of a close friend is "It’s OK That You’re Not OK" by Megan Devine. It powerfully reminds me of the importance of validating grief, trauma, and emotional pain, rather than trying to “fix” it. This perspective influences my counselling approach, helping me create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges and losses.