Matt Donovan
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
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.
Training, qualifications & experience
- UKCP Registered
- NHS Psychotherapist-Macmillan Psychological Support Team-Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
- (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 Constructivist Psychotherapies
Member organisations
school 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.
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
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
Living with chronic illness
Living with cancer
Oncology
Palliative Care
Bereavement
Therapies offered
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