Matt Donovan

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UKCP Accredited Existential Psychotherapist

About me

Hi, I'm Matt,

If you’ve often felt like you experience the world differently—more sensitively, more intensely, or in ways that are hard to put into words—you’re not alone. When the world feels too much, and your way of being hasn’t been understood, it can be deeply isolating. You might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how much longer you can keep going like this.

Perhaps you’ve spent a long time trying to make sense of how you feel, wondering why certain parts of life feel harder than they seem to for others. Or maybe you’ve been moving through things quietly, without many spaces where your experience feels recognised.

Therapy can offer a space that holds what’s been hard to carry—without pressure, and without expectation. Not to be analysed or fixed, but to be met with warmth and respect. A place to follow your experience wherever it leads, at your own pace.

You don’t need to have a clear idea of what’s wrong. A sense that something hasn’t felt right, or that you want to understand yourself better, is enough.

In our work together, we can begin to look at the patterns and beliefs that have shaped how you move through the world—especially if your sensitivity, neurodivergence, or difference has been overlooked or misunderstood. Your sensitivity isn’t something you’ve picked up along the way—it’s part of who you are. But many people grow up with the message that they need to toughen up, fit in, or hide the parts of themselves that don’t match the norm. Over time, that can lead to shame, self-doubt, or the sense that you’re somehow too much—or not enough.

But what if those parts of you don’t need to be hidden or explained away? What if they’re not flaws at all? What if they’re simply part of what makes you, you?

If any of this feels familiar, you’re welcome to get in touch.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • UKCP Accredited Existential Psychotherapist
  • Highly Specialist Psychotherapist in Palliative and Cancer Care- NHS Psycho-Oncology service (Cancer & Family support)
  • (Doctorate Level)-Advanced Diploma Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling (Regent’s College, London)
  • Post-Graduate Diploma. Psychotherapy and Counselling (Regent’s College, London)
  • Post Graduate Cert. Psychotherapy and Counselling (Regent’s College, London)
  • Member College of Existential and Constructivist Psychotherapies
  • Member Society of Existential Analysis

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

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.

UKCP
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.

As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.

UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

UK Council for Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

UK Council for Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Living with chronic illness
Living with cancer
Oncology
Palliative Care
Bereavement

Fees

£70.00 - £80.00
Free initial telephone session

Additional information

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.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Day and evening

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Zoom
Microsoft Teams