Matt Ratcliffe

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BA (Hons) Dip. Member MBACP (Accred)

About me

Hi! I'm Matt

I'm a BACP Accredited Integrative Counsellor, with over 15 years' experience, working to help people that need some support and wish to change their lives, for the better.

People, perhaps like you..?

Whatever brings you here, you're very welcome...

There's a reason we look for counselling.  Chances are, you want to get past the difficult things and feel better, healthier and happier.  Maybe you've had counselling before, maybe it's new to you - either way, it's about you, getting the support and space you need.  I'm here to offer you just that.

So, what is counselling..?

Counselling is a talking therapy that offers a safe, professional space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences.  It's a chance to build self-awareness, process what's happening in your life, and gain the tools and insight to make positive, lasting change - now and in the future.

What I offer...

I provide one-to-one counselling using an Integrative approach - which simply means I tailored our work to you, rather than follow a one-size-fits-all methods.  Together we create a space and collaborate to explore your thoughts and feelings. You are not judged or criticised but heard, understood and accepted. 

You bring your story.  I bring the tools, experience, and care.  Together we build new ways forward for you - to handle life's difficulties and make the positive changes you want in your life...

I help you:

  • Understand your thoughts & feelings
  • Make sense of difficult life experiences
  • Increase your self-awareness & insight
  • Build confidence & self worth
  • Cope with anxiety, low mood, or stress
  • Improve relationships & boundaries
  • Create new perspectives & options
  • Gain your clarity & choice in life decisions
  • Develop you 'Tool Kit' for life & wellbeing

Areas I work with...

I have experience working with a wide range of issues, including:

  • Anxiety & panic
  • Depression & low mood
  • Stress & work/life balance
  • Anger & frustration
  • Low Self-esteem & confidence
  • Grief, bereavement & loss
  • Relationship, separation & family issues
  • ADHD / neurodiversity
  • Suicidal thoughts & self-harm
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Abuse (past or present)
  • OCD & compulsive behaviours
  • Addictions
  • Identity, gender & sexuality

About me...

I'm a BACP Accredited therapist (a higher standard of training and practice).  I am registered with BUPA and deliver counselling for multiple local employers, through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), as well as to members of the emergency services.  Alongside my private work, I mentor trainee counsellors, lead skills / training workshops, and have taught counselling for NHS linked and private organisations.  I'm also developing a counselling charity in Selby to support young people aged 12-18.

What to expect...

I offer both short and long term therapy, face-to-face or online via video.  Session times and frequency are tailored to your needs.  My therapy space in Selby is quiet, discreet and designed to feel warm and welcoming.  Many clients comment on how relaxed and comfortable the feel here.  Located just minutes from the bus and train stations, with on-site parking, I'm within easy reach of York, Leeds, Doncaster, Pontefract, Goole and surrounding areas across Yorkshire.

My own life experiences deeply informs how I work.  I've been through my own journey, and I believe that gives me a grounded, human perspective.  For me, offering therapy is a privilege - not a role I take lightly.  I believe in counselling and what it can do, and would love to see how it can help you.

Next steps...

If you'd like to find out more or explore whether we'd be a good fit, I offer a no-obligation consultation.  It's a chance to ask questions, talk through what you're looking for, and see how I can help.  You're not alone - and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself...  I'd love to support you on your path forward, so please feel free to get in touch.

Thank you.

Be well!

Matt

Training, qualifications & experience

  • BACP Accreditation in full
  • BACP Certificate of Proficiency
  • AQA / BACP Counselling Skills L2
  • AQA / BACP Advanced Counselling Skills L3
  • CPCAB Advanced Diploma Integrative Therapeutic Counselling L4
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art

Additional highlights of my CPD training, workshops and involvement include:

  • Understanding Therapeutic Practices With Dreams, Nightmares & Sleep Disturbances
  • Bereavement & Loss: Working to Heal
  • Seeing Red: Interventions for Anger Management
  • Managing Anxiety - Practical Solutions
  • NYSCB & CYSCB Online Safeguarding
  • Safeguarding using Digital & Online Platforms
  • Safeguarding Children & Young People
  • College of Policing: Channel Awareness
  • Play & Creative Therapy: Integrations Within Practice
  • Solution Based Therapy - Structure & Process
  • Digital Detox - How to 'de-screen' Ourselves
  • Level 2 Nutrition & Health

In addition to my private work:

2015 - present

I am the founder and Lead Counsellor of Invivo Therapies, a counselling practice in Selby, which provides therapy to private referrals. Working as a collective, I facilitate a team of therapists who offer individuals, couples and young peoples counselling.  I also facilitate group peer supervision sessions and mentor counsellors / newly-qualified counsellors, wanting to enter into private practice.

2015 - present
I am the founder and manager of SHINE! - a charity providing counselling in the Selby area.

2015 - 2020
Tutor of Counselling Skills Level 2 working with NHS linked organisations, private healthcare and corporate sectors - teaching counsellor to trainee counsellors and care providers within national and private organisations.

2012 - 2014
I provided limited term counselling to young people aged 10-25 at No. 5 Young Peoples Counselling Service, based in Reading. Working with issues such as bereavement, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal tendency, abuse, PTSD, rape and sexual abuse, family and relationship issues and gender identity related issues.

2010 - 2014
Counsellor working alongside Sheen Lane NHS Practice in North Sheen, Surrey. Working alongside the GP surgery, I was one of a team of 3 counsellors assisting patients on recommendation by the doctors. Working with issues such as depression, anxiety, bereavement, self-worth, health and mental health issues, abuse (past and present) and stress.

2013 - present
I am a member of Counselling Ltd, a UK charity which assists people on low-incomes to access help with mental health issues through local counselling - www.counselling.ltd.uk

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & 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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£35.00 - £60.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed
  • Refugees

Health Insurance/EAP

  • BUPA

Additional information

I offer an initial phone or face-to-face consultation (at £25) so that we can explore your expectations of therapy and answer any questions you have. From there you can see if it's for you.

Individual counselling sessions are 60 minutes long and are usually held weekly, though this is tailored to suit the needs of the client.

Face to face sessions are £60 per session.
Skype / video sessions are £60 per session.

I believe counselling should be accessible to everyone who needs it. 25% of my client work is at reduced fee, so I am able to offer some concessions / negotiated fees (starting at £35, discussed with the client) based on personal circumstances.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

My session hours are during the week Monday - Friday daytimes and evenings.

Further information

I believe as people we continually learn to better ourselves throughout our lives and am committed to my ongoing personal and professional development. I am continually seeking to build upon my knowledge and skills and attend regular training so I may be the very best I can be in what I do.

Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

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

My therapy rooms are in a period building, with car parking available directly outside. The building is accessed from the path. My rooms are accessible by stairs, to the 1st floor.

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Zoom
FaceTime

Social

Matt Ratcliffe
Matt Ratcliffe