Barbara King Dos Santos

Barbara King is a trainee integrative counsellor studying towards an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Coaching and practicing with NHS Talking Therapies in Lambeth through The Awareness Centre. She is a BACP registered student member and has an academic background in Psychology and Investigative Forensic Psychology. Barbara’s integrative approach enables her to draw on a range of therapeutic models and techniques, adapting her work to meet each client’s individual needs, experiences, and goals. She supports clients experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties and is committed to providing a confidential, safe, and non-judgemental space where clients feel able to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with openness and curiosity.

Barbara’s approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, with a strong belief in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. She works alongside clients to develop greater self-awareness, build self-compassion, and reconnect with their own strengths and resources. Drawing from her integrative training, Barbara may incorporate elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to explore the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours; mindfulness approaches to support emotional regulation and present-moment awareness; psychodynamic perspectives to explore how past experiences may influence current patterns; and Gestalt techniques to support greater awareness of how clients relate to themselves and the world around them. Barbara believes that therapy is a collaborative process and adapts her approach according to each client’s unique circumstances, values, and goals, supporting them in creating meaningful and sustainable change.

Barbara’s professional background has centred on supporting others, with experience across recruitment, student wellbeing, and roles supporting vulnerable individuals. These experiences have provided her with a broad understanding of the different pressures and challenges people may face and have strengthened her ability to listen with empathy, respond sensitively, and meet people without judgement. Her academic and professional experiences have shaped her belief in the capacity for personal growth and the importance of providing a supportive space where clients can explore their experiences at their own pace. Barbara has a particular interest in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, workplace challenges, cultural identity concerns, and struggles with self-criticism. She brings warmth, curiosity, and respect to her therapeutic work, helping clients develop greater understanding of themselves and move towards increased confidence and emotional wellbeing.