Christopher Matthews
About me
- Many people experience emotional suffering in their lives and this can be confusing and distressing. Entering into a boundaried, caring and respectful therapeutic relationship can help in gaining understandings of the origins and meanings of personal difficulties and to develop different, more satisfactory and healthy ways of dealing with life's trials.
- My approach to therapy is very much one of mutual collaboration. Working together in this way can yield insights and plans for making changes that are often elusive when attempting to find solutions in isolation.
- Life's challenges tend not to go away, but therapy can equip you to meet them in ways that aren't counterproductive and are more fulfilling and rewarding.
- Life can be difficult and complex and my approach involves mapping out this complexity to provide clarity around what exactly is difficult. A different way of tackling emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties can only really be usefully explored once an understanding of the problem is fully grasped.
- I offer a relaxed and comfortable environment, free from interruption, in which to explore difficulties with openness and honesty.
- I provide online therapy although meeting face-to-face at least once is required so that we can establish if this is a suitable approach.
Training, qualifications & experience
Having worked in the NHS for 19 years, I have held the posts of Senior Counsellor in substance misuse services and Senior Therapist in a specialist psychotherapy unit for people with personality disorders or difficulties. I ran a bereavement group for people experiencing complicated grief reactions for several years. In addition I provide training to other mental health professionals in theories of personality development and disorders and clinical, therapeutic approaches, as well as supervision. I have a great deal of experience in the following areas: emotional problems, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, addictions, abuse, personality difficulties, trauma and loss.
My qualifications include a BA in Sociology with Social Policy (first class), MA in Philosophy and Social Theory, Diploma in Social Work (all of these gained at the University of Warwick) and a Postgraduate Diploma in CAT. I have also completed trainings in Mentalisation Based Treatment, Institute of Group Analysis foundation programme and Solution Focussed Brief Therapy.
My work is very much informed by my longstanding interests in philosophy, sociology and mindfulness.
Member organisations
The Association of Cognitive Analytic Therapy
The Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ACAT) is a registered charity. They welcome members of the public, health professionals, ACAT accredited professionals, and anyone interested in finding out more about CAT. They list CAT practitioners.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
My fee is £50 for a 50 minute meeting.
I have a limited number of concessionary places for those on low incomes.
Further information
Enquiries by email or phone (please leave a message if I am unable to pick up) are welcome. I will endeavour to reply within 24 hours, circumstances permitting.
I am available Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 8.00pm and offer some Saturday appointments.
