Some years ago, I went to an information evening at the Central London branch of the Samaritans. I was a magazine writer and editor. I had no experience of befriending or caring work. I was terrified. Volunteering at the Samaritans became a major turning point, professionally and personally—the start of a midlife renaissance, a switch from what Jung called “the morning of life” to the very different afternoon, where the old rules no longer apply. With the help of many inspiring teachers, supervisors, colleagues and guides—most importantly clients—I trained to be a counsellor. Life can start out as biography—as if someone else is writing your story. When you take over the reins, it turns into autobiography. The narrative eventually comes together. The loose ends fall away.
     Sometimes we choose to take over the reins. Other times—perhaps because of illness, divorce, bereavement, redundancy, trauma--we just have to. At such moments it is as if the tectonic plates of our world are shifting beneath our feet, and it is frightening. It is from these darkest hours that we emerge and face our vulnerability, our mortality, and discover our true strength. Perhaps we even catch a glimpse of some kind of eternal, higher wisdom.

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     I am especially interested in you and your life transitions, your move from biography to autobiography, your “midlife crises" (which can take place at any age), whatever they may be, whether great or small. You may feel that your difficulties lie within you, or in your relationships, or in the oppressions and injustices that colour your world. Therapy has a role in helping you. You will be in a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space. You will be supported; you may be challenged. You may come to feel that some of your difficulties can be changed, some might be accepted, all will be better understood. These are lifelong processes of discovery. 
     I am an integrative therapist, which means I don’t subscribe to any one method, dogma or manual of techniques but instead draw on different approaches—especially existential and psychodynamic ideas--to arrive at my own way of working, a way that honours you, me, and the dynamic, therapeutic relationship that evolves between us. Whether you choose to have a few sessions or many, we might decide together to start by looking at your current problems and troubling symptoms, but also begin to work more deeply, seeking to uncover greater awareness, understanding and meaning in your patterns, relationships, history—your world. All in service of living an examined, authentic, unique life. A good life. 

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Experience
Besides my private practice in Marylebone, Central London, my voluntary placement history is as follows:
• National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neuropsychiatric Department, 2014-present (observer)
• Ealing Abbey Counselling Service, 2014-present
• Westminster Mind, 2013-present
• West London Centre for Counselling, 2012-2014
• Putneymead Group Medical Practice, 2012-2014
• Metanoia Counselling and Psychotherapy Service, 2011-2012
• The Samaritans, 2009-2011

Education
• Pending: DCPsych Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy, Metanoia Institute, Middlesex University London (currently in 5th and final year of training)
• Diploma in Integrative Psychodynamic Counselling, Metanoia Institute, Middlesex University London
• Practitioner Certificate in CBT, Metanoia Institute, Middlesex University London
• MSc in Development Studies, Birkbeck College, University of London
• BSc Joint Honours in Psychology and Zoology, University of Bristol

Professional memberships
• British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): www.bacp.co.uk (individual member)
• British Psychological Society (BPS): www.bps.org.uk (student member)

Contact
There are three ways to get in touch with me:
• Phone: 0207-724-3075 (leave a message)
• Email: help@johnbartontherapy.com
• Enter your details and query here: