Chris Madden

Hello, my name is Chris Madden and I’m an experienced Counselling Psychotherapist. I will offer you a confidential, safe and non-judgemental place to explore a present difficulty. A bit further down this page you can learn about the benefits of counselling/therapy, find a little bit about me and how we might work together. Although I’m based in Leeds, I also work remotely (online and by phone) so wherever you are we can still work together.

I work with a range of issues including anxiety, adult ADHD, depression, panic attacks, feeling sad, low self-esteem, relationships, family issues and trauma. I work with individuals, couples and partners (in romantic and other kinds of relationships including business partnerships).

How can Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy help you?

Counselling, Psychotherapy and Therapy are interchangeable words used to describe experienced professional talking support that helps you navigate and make sense of your thoughts or when a life situation has become overwhelming or a challenge to manage. I tend to use the term ’therapy’ to describe what I do.

I think really sums up how beneficial therapy can be;

‘Something incredible happens when you open up to another human who you click with and who is trained to listen and support.’

So how will I work with you? I will accept you for who you are and try to see the world through your eyes. I will listen to you and be as genuine as I can, offering the time and space you need to find the answers you are looking for. I will not judge you, critique you, tell you what to do or who you should be. I will always meet you with unconditional positive regard, helping you to explore and navigate towards new insights and perspectives which can bring about  better ways of relating to yourself, others or situations which you may have been finding difficult.

No amount of words can ever truly describe who we are and, even though we share many experiences with others, our experience is uniquely our own. The way I work is flexible; I will always meet you as an individual, helping you to better understand yourself and find your own unique way of making the changes you wish to have in your life. We will work collaboratively to find a way that suits you, working at your pace to identify, explore and resolve the things that concern you or cause distress. Your wellness will always be my priority when we are working together.

I appreciate how difficult it can be to take the first steps towards seeking help or meeting a new therapist. Equally, I know just how important it is to feel comfortable with the person you choose as your therapist. A good way forward is an initial consultation which is an opportunity to meet, talk, ask questions and decide if I’m the right therapist for you. There is no obligation to book any further sessions unless it feels absolutely right and only you will make that decision.

About Me

I am an experienced (jargon alert!) Integrative Counselling Psychotherapist working relationally (which basically means that I will meet you an individual and find the very best way to work with you). I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and accredited by the NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society), following and adhering to a strict code of conduct and ethics. I have extensive experience of working therapeutically across a broad range of issues including adult ADHD, relationship problems/difficulties, anxiety, stress, trauma and depression, problematic alcohol/substance/drug/gambling behaviours.

I have significant experience of working therapeutically with clients from the music, live events and other creative industries. At my Leeds practice my clients include the legal and business professions, creative industries, students, professional sports people…essentially; people from all walks of life!

I have been working with adult clients (17 to 70+) in my private practice for 13+ years and I’m experienced working with clients who present with a diagnosis (mental health/learning). I have served as Counsellor/Wellbeing Officer at a leading university, and lectured in counselling and psychotherapy at Leeds Beckett University.

I believe an important aspect of therapy is the relationship which develops between the client and therapist- you and me- so it really doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, where you come from, what industry you work in; I am on your side, I will ‘have you back’ so we can develop a strong, therapeutic relationship in which we can work together to create the changes you’d like to make.

I am an accredited Mental Health First Aid (England) Instructor, a therapeutic service provider for the charities BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine), Music Support, and Help Musicians UK. I am a member of MITC (Music Industry Therapist Collective) a global reach organisation supporting mental health of those working in the music industries. 

Prior to retraining as a therapist, I worked in the music and creative industries for over 20 years.

I really look forward to speaking and meeting with you soon.

Polyvagal Approach to Therapy 

Session fee is £100 individuals and £125 for couples/partners

When you contact me about counselling, psychotherapy or therapy, I will respond within 24 hours.