Counselling in Brighton & Hove
I’m Simon Buckland, an accredited BACP counsellor. I work with adults one-to-one (£70) or in couples (£100) in person and online.
Men’s Issues
How should a man behave?
Many men struggle to understand what being a man means, particularly around sexuality, friendship and vulnerability. You can discover a more authentic way of being yourself.
It sometimes seems that, while women’s prospects and perspectives are expanding into more and more areas that were closed to them in the past, the opposite is true of men.
You don’t want to have anything to do with the brutal ‘hyper-masculinity’ of the so-called manosphere, and you agree that men should be able to express and welcome their vulnerability, but it’s still very hard to know what being a man means today, in a positive sense.
And this expresses itself in a number of specific ways: in a physiological form such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, or more behaviourally – how to behave when dating, for instance? Do you have difficulty in showing that you’re attracted to a woman without coming across as pushy or creepy?
Or perhaps you find it hard to move on from sexual attraction to an emotional connection, and you tend to end relationships early in case they develop into a commitment which you’re not ready for.
And how about your friendships with men? How many are there where you can express the full spectrum of your feelings, including your doubts and vulnerabilities? How many friends do you have whom you could count on to support you if you were going through a tough time.
I’ll work with you to help you to understand your own true nature; to become not ‘a man’, but your own special form of manhood, with all its colours and flavours. To break away from social and cultural stereotypes, and walk your own path with confidence.
I trained in humanistic and integrative counselling with the Psychosynthesis Trust, London, in Relationship Counselling with Relate, and in sexuality and intimacy work with Jan Day.
I've also done a great deal of my own personal development and self-exploration over the years.
I've been practicing as a counsellor since 2014, working with couples and individuals of all ages, from late teens to over-70s.
You'll find me patient, warm, non-judgemental, and a good listener. And wherever we go on our journey together, it's likely that I've been there myself at some point - which makes me an able and reliable guide.
The Therapy ProcessHow we work together
Together, we pause to consider your goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with yourself and with the journey ahead.
This is a chance to connect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and work to build your desired future.
We can work face to face if you live near Brighton or Hove, or online if you prefer, using Zoom, Teams, or any platform of your choice.
My fee is £70 per 50-minute one-to-one session (£100 for couples).
Phone ConsultationYou get a feel for how it is to work together and we plan a way forward.
Trial SessionWe spend time identifying the key issues that you’d like to work on.
Subsequent SessionsWe push forward, building your understanding and coping strategies.
CompletionWe will know when you have become confident and self-reliant.
CommitmentI will continue to be available as long as you find it helpful.