Matthew Barnard

I currently have availability for new clients. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure, you’re not alone. A safe, supportive therapeutic relationship can make a real difference, and creating that sense of trust is central to how I work.

I support adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship or family difficulties, and the impact of past experiences. Many people sense their history still affects them, even if it’s hard to put into words.

My work is trauma-informed and considers both developmental trauma and single events from earlier life, such as childhood experiences, difficult family relationships, or events that continue to shape how you feel about yourself and relate to others.

I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), an evidence-based approach that helps the brain process distressing memories so they feel less overwhelming. EMDR doesn’t require revisiting every detail; instead, it supports your nervous system to reduce emotional intensity, helping you feel more grounded and able to move forward.

EMDR can also be helpful for people with ADHD. While ADHD isn’t caused by trauma, living with it can involve repeated experiences of overwhelm, self-criticism, or misunderstanding, which can impact self-esteem and emotional regulation. I also work with OCD and phobias, particularly where fears or intrusive thoughts are linked to past experiences.

We’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, exploring thoughts and feelings to build self-understanding, reduce distress, and support positive change in daily life and relationships. I offer a calm, non-judgmental space where it’s okay not to know what to say at first.

I’m a qualified counsellor and registered with UKCP, Â鶹ԭ´´, and the EMDR UK Association. Sessions are available in Oxford or online. You’re welcome to get in touch with any questions—there’s no pressure to commit, just an opportunity to see if therapy feels right for you.

My practice offers a reflective, client-centred space where you can explore what matters most to you. I work with adolescents and adults, drawing on psychodynamic and relational approaches to help you deepen your understanding of your patterns, feelings, and connections with others. Sessions are collaborative: together we identify what you want from therapy and tailor our work to your personal needs and goals.

I value clarity, compassion and professionalism, and I aim to create an environment where honesty and curiosity are welcomed. You can expect a thoughtful blend of talking therapy and structured techniques when appropriate, with flexibility to adapt as your needs evolve.

I have specialist training in trauma-informed practice and EMDR, which I integrate when it aligns with your aims. This means we can work both to understand the roots of your distress and to address how these experiences show up in your life now.

Many clients appreciate a space that feels calm, non-judgmental and focused on their experience. Whether you are seeking support for emotional distress, relationship challenges, or simply a clearer sense of self, I’ll work with you to build insight, resilience and practical ways to manage everyday life more effectively.

Sessions are offered in person in Oxford and remotely via online video, phone or chat. I’m committed to professional standards and ethical practice, and I welcome your questions about therapy, process, or anything you’d like to discuss before beginning.

Before starting therapy, I offer a free introductory phone call. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, share a little about what’s bringing you to therapy, and get a sense of how I work. It’s also a chance for us to consider whether working together feels like a good fit, with no obligation to continue.

If you decide to go ahead, the first session is a standard therapy session at my usual rate. The initial sessions focus on understanding your needs, discussing practical arrangements, and beginning the therapeutic work at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for you.