Matt Donovan

Hello, my name's Matt, thanks for taking a moment to check out my profile. I do understand that this bit can be difficult; whether you've had a therapy experience before or this is your first time seeking support, taking that first step and choosing the right therapist for you is a really important part of the process. It may well be that what sounds right and feels right or going with that 'gut instinct' would be your very best guide in choosing the right therapist for you.

Whether on-line or face to face, each therapy experience is as unique as the individual I meet. However, if I were to describe my approach more generally I would say that my style of therapy looks to return psychotherapy to its original meaning; to 'stand side by side'.

An approach that holds to the understanding that peoples experiences make sense within the framework of their own lives and their own natural dispositions: whether those be experiences of anxiety, depression, panic or simply feeling sad; all are meaningful reflections of what that person has been through, what they're going through now and what they value and care about.

An approach that understands trauma, abuse, bullying, discrimination and oppression in terms of the impact these experiences can have in shaping a person’s beliefs about themselves, others and the world around them.

An approach that holds to the belief that while psychotherapy can indeed be a truly helpful, transformative and even life changing experience that this depends upon understanding and 'meeting' that person in terms of  their story and the unique being that they are.

In approaching therapy in this way I have found  that, both in my role as an NHS psychotherapist and in private practice, I work particularly well with those that would describe themselves as 'highly sensitive'; people who so often experience the world as an oppressive and frightening place; who can find themselves trapped by fear, guilt, shame and the depth and intensity of their own emotional being.

Where self doubt, self judgement, people pleasing, pretending or masking in order to fit in, avoiding confrontation at all cost or constantly comparing to others, limits freedoms to such an extent that the world can become both an exhausting and lonely place to be.

A sensitivity to the world that is overwhelmingly experienced as a burden rather than a gift

> A therapy experience can indeed be transformative, however as in any relationship chemistry is important; rapport and trust are vital if any journey of exploration and discovery is to be undertaken, this is particular true for people that think and feel very deeply.

>An initial meeting allows you to judge if you feel that that trust and rapport is there; as I suggest, go with your gut and your heart and let that be your guide! 

If any of this resonates with you and you feel this approach is something that could work for you or you would like to hear more about then please do give me a call or send me an e-mail without obligation.

Living with chronic illness
Living with cancer
Oncology
Palliative Care
Bereavement

I am committed to the process of continual professional development and abide by the code of ethics and practice of the UKCP. I have full professional indemnity insurance and attend regular supervision with a UKCP accredited supervisor.