Helping you understand yourself better and make the changes that matter.
Hi, I am Barry Golten
I am a counsellor offering online sessions across the UK and face to face therapy in Belper, Derbyshire. I have over 25 years of experience supporting people through counselling, support work and trauma-informed practice.
People come to me when they feel overwhelmed, stuck or unsure how to break long-standing patterns.
My style is steady, calm and genuinely curious. I help you understand what is going on inside you, why certain reactions keep showing up, and what needs to shift so life feels more manageable.
Does this sound like you?
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Do you find it hard to say no and take on too much?
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Are you struggling with anxiety or behaviours you can't stop?
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Have you been bullied in the past and find it hard to stand up for yourself now?
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Do you find honest communication in relationships, whether monogamous or non-monogamous, a minefield?
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Do you feel ready to make some changes? Have you tried a few things and feel you need a bit of help to be the person you want to be?
If any of this sounds familiar, counselling gives you space to look at what is happening and work through it at your own pace.
How I can help
Talking to someone outside your everyday life can make things clearer. In our sessions you can:
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Make sense of your reactions and feelings
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Understand where certain behaviours come from
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Change unhelpful patterns without judging yourself
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Build healthier boundaries
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Improve communication in your relationships
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Feel more grounded when life gets difficult
I won’t rush you or push you. We explore things together, steadily and safely.
My approach
My way of working is simple — we talk, we explore, and we look beneath the surface in a gentle, structured way.
People often tell me they feel understood quickly. I listen carefully, ask questions that help things click, and help you notice the different parts of you that want different things. This can make complicated situations feel clearer and easier to handle.
You do not need to know any theories or methods. I keep the language straightforward and explain anything we do together in plain English.
Flexibility to work with me online or in person
If it’s easier for you, I offer counselling sessions online. Many people choose this option because it lets them talk from home or another private space. Online sessions offer the same support as meeting in person, without the need to travel.
50 minute session - £50
90 minute session - £90
Online via Zoom
I also offer face to face sessions in a quiet therapy room in Belper. The space is calm, private and set up to help you talk things through at your own pace. If you prefer meeting in person, this is a good option.
50 minute session - £50
90 minute session - £90
Face-to-face in Belper
Reduced fees may be available by negotiation.
Getting Started
Beginning counselling can feel like a big step, but the process is simple and steady. Here’s how we get things going:
Start with a short video call. You can ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and tell me a little about what you’re looking for.
If we decide to work together, we’ll choose a regular session time. You can meet me online or in person in Belper. I’ll also send over a brief client agreement so everything is clear from the outset.
We’ll take things at your pace. Whether you want support with something specific or are ready to look at things more deeply, we’ll work together in a way that feels manageable and grounded.
Client feedback
“I have been on a real journey with Barry and looking back at when we started to now, I feel much more in control of who I am as a person. With his help I have discovered that I have control over my life choices”
— Client, Male 30's