'The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.'
- Carl Rogers
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About Therapy
Nobody gets handed a personalised manual instructing them how to navigate their meandering journey through life, replete with obstacles and continual change. Life can be demanding and uncertain. People engage in therapy for different reasons and at all stages of life. It could be anything from a desire to discover meaning and purpose or to explore themes of loss and identity. Therapy is an opportunity to talk to someone openly and confidentially in a safe and non-judgemental space.
I champion ongoing mental health maintenance, promoting therapy as a gym membership for the mind, an opportunity to get to know and understand yourself better and a way of allowing you to connect with your core values.
In a therapy session with me, I will share my experience of being with you in the hope that it will offer you new insights and perspectives, shining a light on any blind spots you may have. We work at your pace, exploring together in a supportive and collaborative way whilst also looking at what is happening between us.
I offer support to those dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. My specialisation is working with people who are LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent, however, I offer a warm welcome to everyone. Having personally experienced the challenges that come with living in a heteronormative and neurotypical world, I understand how difficult it can be to cope with feelings of shame and rejection. I believe these feelings can be overcome, and there is hope for living a comfortable life in your own skin.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to enquire about an initial session here.
About Me
Matthew (He/Him)
'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'
- Maya Angelou
Hello, I'm Matthew and my pronouns are he/him. I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, having trained at the University of East London on their Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. My main focus is a Person-Centred approach which is a humanistic way of working, drawing on other modalities when and where appropriate.
I value the importance of difference and diversity and advocate for the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities. Having been a client myself and after extensive training, I believe the strength of the relationship between therapist and client is paramount.
My Accredited membership with the BACP ensures I follow and adhere to their ethical framework, commit to continual professional development to increase my knowledge and experience and attend regular ongoing supervision.
Signature awarded me a level 3 qualification in British Sign Language which has afforded me insight into the Hard of Hearing and Deaf community. I would be happy to work alongside a British Sign Language Interpreter if you are deaf and would like to enquire about working this way. I also have insight into working with Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs).
Previous training and experience with organisations include Westmeria Counselling Service, Rose Bruford College, Place2Be (in primary and secondary school settings), and Childline (NSPCC).
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to enquire about an initial session here.
FAQ
How much will it cost?
The cost per 50 minute session is £70.
What can I expect at the first session?
This will be an assessment to talk about what has brought you to therapy and what your expectations might be. Don't worry if you are not entirely sure, lots of people just have a general feeling they would like to talk to someone without being able to be more specific than this. The space is yours and we will work at your pace. We will also discuss the contract and, most importantly, decide if we are the right fit for each other.
Where will we meet?
All sessions take place online or over the telephone. I use Zoom for video sessions and will send you a link shortly before the agreed session start time each week. If you prefer a telephone session, I will call you at the agreed session start time each week. I am excited that online working now allows for a more accessible approach to therapy.
Who do you work with?
I currently work with individuals aged 18 and above.
Will it be confidential?
I take confidentiality very seriously, and this will be discussed with you at our first meeting and detailed in our agreement.
How long will therapy last?
Sessions are scheduled at the same time on a weekly basis and are 50 minutes in duration.
We can continually evaluate our work together and can make a joint assessment as to whether you feel you would like to continue on an ongoing, open-ended basis or work towards finishing on a fixed date.
How do I pay for a session?
Payment is required 24 hours in advance of each session and is payable by bank transfer.
Do you accept private insurance referrals?
I am recognised as a psychotherapist by AXA PPP so if you are insured by them let me know and we can discuss a referral plan.
How soon can I schedule a session?
If I have availability we can start the same week of your enquiry. If I am full I will offer you the option to be added to my waiting list or suggest appropriate referrals, if available. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to enquire about an initial session here.
Contact
All calls, voicemails, text messages and emails will be treated confidentially and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.
+44 7498 209 306
