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Adam Barrett

 Psychotherapist

If you are reading this you might be:

  • feeling numb or disconnected from your emotions

  • experiencing intense anxiety or worry

  • repeating behaviours you know are not good for you

  • struggling with intimate relationships

  • having emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to their triggers​

I am here to help you:

  • get past your past

  • build confidence and self-esteem

  • establish more fulfilling connections

  • figure out what you want and take action towards it

  • find meaning and purpose

Adam @ The I-Thou
Areas of Expertise

Areas of Expertise

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma & PTSD
Relationship problems
Sexual concerns
Self-esteem issues
Insomnia
Clinical supervision

Clients often describe me as calm, steady, and quietly confident—a presence that brings both warmth and grounding to our sessions. But don’t mistake gentleness for passivity. While I offer unwavering support, I’m also unafraid to be direct and honest, saying what needs to be said and guiding us toward the work that needs to be done with clarity and purpose.

My approach is about balance: it’s not just about delving into the weight of problems, difficult experiences, or past traumas. It’s equally about building toward the life you want. Together, we’ll use humour to lighten the load, celebrate your victories no matter how small, and savour the positive moments that bring joy and meaning. Therapy is a space for growth and healing, but it’s also a place where we honour your strengths, aspirations, and the brighter parts of your life and experience.

Experience

I bring nearly two decades of diverse and deeply enriching experience to my therapeutic practice. My journey began in the prison service, where I facilitated Offending Behaviour Programmes, combining CBT with creative methods like psychodrama to address complex behavioural challenges. I then supported the London Fire Brigade as a staff counsellor, where I first trained in EMDR to help individuals process trauma effectively.

From there, I joined the Nightingale Hospital, a leading psychiatric facility, as a psychotherapist and group facilitator. My dedication and expertise saw me promoted to lead therapist of the interpersonal therapy division, where I spearheaded significant reforms to the therapy programme. I collaborated closely with the CBT lead therapist to design an integrative approach, ensuring patients received the most effective care tailored to their needs.

In addition to my clinical work, I have taught on a counselling certificate programme, inspiring the next generation of therapists, and trained as a clinical supervisor, offering guidance to other professionals. My experience reflects not only a broad and deep understanding of mental health and relationships but also a commitment to innovation and excellence in therapy.

This rich background allows me to draw on a wide range of approaches and insights, offering my clients a uniquely comprehensive and compassionate therapeutic experience.

Training and Modalities

​I invest significantly in my continuing professional development (CPD) and have attended more trainings than can be listed here. However, below are those I most frequently draw from in my practice. 

Gestalt Psychotherapy 
EMDR
Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy 
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Clinical Supervision

My Approach

My Approach

I understand that your challenges—whether they involve mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, the lasting effects of trauma or PTSD, struggles with ADHD, or difficulties with sleep, intimacy, or relationships—are deeply personal and shaped by your unique context. Together, we’ll explore your experiences within the broader tapestry of your life, including your perceptions, history, and relationships, to uncover meaningful insights and pathways to growth.

The name of my website, The I--Thou, was inspired by philosopher Martin Buber’s concept of I-Thou relationships, which reflects the essence of my therapeutic approach. Buber described I-Thou as a way of relating that is authentic, present, and mutual, in contrast to I-It, which objectifies and distances. In therapy, I strive to embody an I-Thou connection, creating a safe, collaborative space where you are seen and valued as a whole person. This framework aligns with the deeply relational and present-centred nature of the work we do together.

With this present-centred approach, we will focus on what you feel and experience in the here and now. This moment holds valuable clues about who you are and how you navigate the world. By tuning into your thoughts, emotions, and sensations, we can uncover patterns that illuminate your struggles and guide you toward meaningful change.

Drawing from a range of holistic and evidence-based modalities—including Gestalt therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)—I tailor our work to meet your specific needs. These tools help us explore your inner world, foster greater awareness, and create the foundation for lasting transformation.

Our sessions offer a safe and collaborative space where we can delve into sensitive areas, whether they involve overcoming trauma, improving relationships, or managing issues like sleep disturbances or intimacy challenges. My responses aim to offer fresh perspectives and deepen your self-understanding, helping you navigate experiences that may feel overwhelming or unclear.

We may also create experiments to enhance your awareness. These could include rephrasing a thought, tuning into physical sensations, or examining your internal experience when I say your phrase back to you. Such experiments allow you to gain clarity, try out new perspectives, and discover different ways of expressing yourself.

With nearly two decades of experience, I specialize in helping people navigate the interplay of mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. By integrating mindfulness, relational dynamics, and innovative bottom-up approaches, I support you in addressing past challenges, uncovering unhelpful patterns, and cultivating a life aligned with your values.

Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, working through trauma, improving sleep, or strengthening your relationships, our work together offers a path toward self-discovery, empowerment, and meaningful change.

Adam Barrett

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Contact
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Book a Free Consultation with Adam:

You are warmly invited to request a free consultation with me. This can be done by telephone or video call and usually lasts up to fifteen minutes. It's an opportunity to get a first impression of each other. You may have questions you want answered before meeting for an initial session. I will ask you for a brief overview of what you want from therapy and your availability to commit to sessions. 

Mobile: +44 7983 537408

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