Janet Matthews
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. This is a really important step towards helping yourself or someone you care about. Here you will find out about what you can expect from me. My approach to counselling and life coaching is integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). That means that I offer a range of counselling approaches.
Individual Counselling
The most important part of our work together, be it online or in my counselling room, is that you feel comfortable and safe with me. When we meet, I will focus on hearing your story, understanding and acceptance of you without judgement so you can share whatever is on your mind. You can be assured of confidentiality.
I have helped clients -
Overwhelmed by anxiety disorders, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) and depression.
Struggling with addiction of many forms.
Who self-harm, have suicidal thoughts.
Devastated with post-traumatic stress and other enduring mental or physical health problems to include being a carer.
Unable to come to terms with a bereavement and loss.
Make big decisions in life and start moving forward (life coaching).
I offer a preliminary appointment so that we can begin to get to know each other with no obligation to continue. If we decide not to continue, I will ensure that you have benefited from the session and that you know where to go next. I charge a reduced rate of £10 for this appointment.
Working together must be in your best interests so it is important that we both feel it is right to continue. With a clearer understanding of your story, considering how you are feeling and what is impacting on your life, I will tailor a programme that is right for you. Each session is person-centred so that you have space every week to be heard, understood, and sometimes challenged. I will support you as you learn to be kinder to yourself.
When the time is right CBT will help you recognise and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviours which are limiting your life. You will have the opportunity to develop new skills, to include mindfulness, which will help you manage stress and resolve or cope better with the problems you are currently facing. These changes will help you to stay well and achieve your potential. This is a guided journey, some clients feel much better in 6 – 8 weeks, for others this recovery journey will take longer.
My approach to bereavement is supportive, helping you understand what you are going through and find your way forward at a pace that is right for you.
Group work
Working together (5 - 10 people) helping each other adds another level of support. Progress often happens quickly as you discover you are not alone and that you are able to help others and yourself. Sessions are 2 hours.
Examples of group work include -
Overcoming social anxiety
Low self esteem
Living life to the full (overcome anxiety and depression)
Assertive training
Panic disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Bereavement
Contact me if you want to be kept informed or if you would like me to run a course within your organisation, church or club.
Working with Organisations - Bespoke workshops
With extensive experience working in the NHS, University (Nursing, Management, Education), as director of a charity in Edinburgh, and in a bereavement charity in N.I., I can offer your volunteers/staff CBT Skills, bereavement support skills, mindfulness or coaching workshops tailored to organisational need. The aim of the workshops is to increase the potential of the individual in the group, the team and the organisation.
Costs
Concessionary rates apply depending on your ability to pay. Please talk this through with me so I can work out a fair discount.
Preliminary session - reduced fee of £10.
Counselling individual 60 minutes £35
Coaching individual 60 minutes £35
Group work 2 hours £15 per individual in the group.
Bespoke group work - price negotiable.
The next step
TEXT or PHONE 07581031915 or email jemcbt@gmail.com. If I am unable to respond immediately, I will get back in touch as soon as possible.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training, qualifications & experience
I qualified as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (Scotacs Diploma in Counselling and Group Work - A Cognitive Behavioural Approach) in June 2012. However counselling skills have been an integral part of my work in the NHS and University for over 20 years in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland.
During my CBT training and since qualifying I have worked in Edinburgh on a one to one and group basis across the age range- with Adults, Young People and Children.
I moved back to Northern Ireland in 2019 and have established by private practice here. I have volunteered and worked for a bereavement charity and teach on counselling programmes.
With over 30 years working as a nurse (adult, child, intensive care) and a midwife I have a clear understanding of the impact of illness on mental health. I am highly aware of the stresses of working in the NHS and of student life.
I undertook Adult, Children and Young People training in bereavement support. I now am a volunteer with Marie Curie. keep up to date with Practice development so that I can provide best practice for my clients. I achieve this through reading, taking courses and counselling supervision.
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.
In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Faith
Spirituality
Loneliness
Unemployment
Career development
Making difficult decisions
Assertiveness training
supervision trainee (free)
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£35.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£10 for first session with no obligation to continue
£35 - 1 hour session
Group work is £15 per 2 hour session.
If you are unable to pay this amount please talk this through with me.
When I work
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Range of appointment times to include evenings and weekends For more details call, email or text me, whatever is best for you. I am now seeing clients in person.
Further information
An Integrated Approach
During my training we learned how to integrate other counselling approaches within CBT practice which enables me to tailor a programme that is right for you. If we try something and it doesn't seem to be working in a reasonable amount of time, we can explore this and adapt your programme. It is therefore very important that we evaluate your program weekly and that you feel free to tell me if something doesn't feel right for you. Being flexible, and adaptable is part of your recovery journey.
