Barry Smale

Barry Smale is a psychotherapist at Nightingale Hospital London, where he supports patients experiencing a wide range of psychological difficulties. He treats conditions including bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, technology addiction, dual diagnosis, drug and alcohol addiction, behavioural addictions, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, phobias, interpersonal difficulties, self-harm, sleep disorders, suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, and work-related stress.

He works integratively, drawing on multiple therapeutic approaches to best meet the needs of each client. These include eating disorder treatment, addiction treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), interpersonal therapy (IPT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), psychotherapy, well-being therapies, and various sensorimotor approaches.

Since beginning his career as a therapist in 2000, Barry has worked across diverse settings including GP surgeries, charity organisations, outreach services, business environments, and private practice. His work with more acute clients led him to focus on therapies that offer stabilisation and support recovery, especially in the areas of addiction, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. His growing interest in trauma and state regulation led to collaborations with experts such as Professor Gordon Turnbull and the development of the Dedicated Stress and Trauma Service.

Barry leads resilience programmes at institutions including the Royal Academy and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and teaches Chi Kung and mindfulness in various settings. He is also a lecturer on MSc programmes at London South Bank University.

His approach centres on identifying what prevents people from living fully and using his clinical judgment to apply the most effective therapeutic method. He has trained in psychodynamic therapy, CBT, EMDR, and sensorimotor methods. His work is strongly informed by developments in neuroscience and genetics, and he applies this understanding to help clients manage issues such as medically unexplained symptoms and emotional regulation.

Barry has a particular interest in the relationship between mind and body, and uses modern research to integrate techniques such as biofeedback and mindfulness into treatment when appropriate. His work with experts such as Phil Mollon and Gordon Turnbull has further shaped his understanding of trauma and recovery.