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; 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: 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, what they have come to believe and what they value and care about.

An approach that understands trauma, abuse, bullying, discrimination, 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.

Both in my role as an NHS psychotherapist and in private practice I have always worked particularly well with people who have come to question their ability to cope, persevere or succeed; often expressed as deep feelings of hopelessness or helplessness and deeply held beliefs around 'always falling short' or 'not being good enough’.

Likewise I have a real interest in working with people who experience themselves in terms of 'feeling lost' or that 'things just don't feel right'; who may be experiencing a loss of meaning in their lives or who find themselves at a crossroads and may be questioning their own sense of direction and identity.    

As in any relationship chemistry is important; rapport and trust are vital if any journey of exploration and discovery is to be undertaken. An initial meeting allows you to judge if you feel that that trust and rapport is there. > Please do feel free to get in touch

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.