About me
A deeper, more compassionate understanding of yourself can change the way you experience your life, your relationships and the world around you.
Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, experiencing difficulties in relationships or finding yourself caught in patterns that you can't quite understand. You may be carrying experiences from the past that continue to affect how you feel, think and relate to others. Or perhaps you have a sense that something isn't quite right, but struggle to put it into words.
Whatever brings you to counselling, I offer a space to slow down, explore what's happening beneath the surface and begin to make sense of your experiences.
I'm Matt, a BACP-accredited integrative counsellor based in Exeter, with 15 years' experience supporting adults, couples and young people aged 16 and over.
My approach
My work is grounded in compassion, curiosity and a belief that meaningful change comes through developing a deeper understanding of ourselves. I'm interested not just in the difficulties we experience, but in the experiences, relationships and patterns that have shaped who we are.
I'm an integrative, trauma-informed counsellor, drawing on psychodynamic and Eastern psychological perspectives. I also love "parts" work and to work creatively. I recognise that difficult experiences aren't always held in our conscious thoughts or memories; they can also be experienced through the body, emotions and nervous system.
Alongside talking, I incorporate somatic awareness into my work, helping clients become more attuned to their internal experiences and develop a greater sense of connection with themselves. My experience as a yoga teacher has also influenced my understanding of the relationship between mind and body, and the value of awareness, presence and compassion. As well as meditation, working with breath and the spiritual.
I aim to offer a warm, grounded and non-judgemental relationship where you can feel able to bring all aspects of yourself. We work collaboratively, at a pace that feels right for you, without pressure to have everything figured out.
A little more about my work
I have a particular interest in attachment, relationships, trauma, identity, self-esteem and the ways our earlier experiences can influence our lives today. I also have specialist experience supporting gay and bisexual men and women, offering an inclusive space to explore sexuality, relationships and identity without assumptions or judgement.
I don't see counselling as about fixing something that's broken or trying to turn you into someone else. It's about developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself, understanding the things that may be holding you back and discovering new ways of experiencing yourself and the world around you.
I believe change is possible, even when things have felt difficult for a long time. Sometimes that begins with simply having somewhere you can be yourself, feel heard and begin to explore what's going on.
If you're considering counselling, I'd be happy to hear from you.
Experience & Qualifications
- BACP-accredited counsellor (MBACP-Accred).
- 15 years' counselling experience.
- BA (Hons) Integrative Counselling, First Class.
- Trauma-informed, integrative approach.
- Individual and couples counselling.
- Young people aged 16 and over.
- Particular experience supporting gay and bisexual men and women.
- Somatic-informed practice and yoga teaching background.
- Clinical supervision for counsellors and practitioners.
- Central Exeter practice.
- Fully qualified and insured.
Training, qualifications & experience
My training/qualifications are:
- Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision Including Online and Telephone Working. Counselling Tutor
- BA (Hons) Integrative Counselling. First Class
- Certificate in couple & relationship therapy
- Post Qualifying Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy
- Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling. BACP Accredited
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. CPCAB
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. CPCAB
I have over 15 years' experience working therapeutically with people from a wide range of backgrounds and with diverse needs. My experience includes private practice, working as a counsellor in secondary schools and supporting people affected by domestic abuse through a specialist domestic violence charity. Alongside my counselling work, I also have experience in teaching counselling at degree level, as well as teaching yoga, which has further informed my understanding of the connection between mind and body, emotional wellbeing and self-awareness.
Throughout my career, I've supported people experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, loss, abuse, EUPD, PTSD/CPTSD, identity issues and the impact of challenging life experiences.
This breadth of experience has shaped a thoughtful, adaptable and compassionate approach to my work, recognising that everyone's circumstances and needs are different.
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.
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
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
I have a particular interest and experience in working with gay and bisexual men and women. I offer an open, inclusive and non-judgemental space to explore issues around sexuality, identity, relationships, intimacy, self-acceptance and belonging. I recognise that navigating sexuality can bring its own complexities, and that experiences of shame, rejection, discrimination or feeling different can have a lasting impact on how we see ourselves and relate to others. My aim is to provide a space where you can feel understood, accepted and free to explore whatever matters to you, without having to explain or justify who you are.
I also welcome clients in polyamorous, consensually non-monogamous and other relationship structures. I offer space to explore the unique dynamics these relationships can bring, including communication, boundaries, intimacy, jealousy, trust and navigating differing needs. I recognise that relationships don't all follow the same path, and my approach is inclusive, curious and respectful of the choices and identities of those I work with.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 - £80.00
Additional information
Individuals
£60-80 for each 1 hour appointment
Couples
£70-90 for each 1 hour appointment
I understand that everyone’s financial situation is different, and the cost of therapy shouldn’t be a barrier to seeking support. I now offer a sliding scale for all sessions.
If you would like to discuss which rate would be appropriate for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
My aim is to make counselling and supervision as accessible as possible while maintaining a high-quality therapeutic experience.
Supervision
Trainees: £55 for 1 hour or £70 for 1.5 hours
Qualified Practitioners: £60 for 1 hour or £75 for 1.5 hours
Or a 20 minute free initial supervision consultation session is always an option
Further information
Parking can be found on Southernhay, Broadwalk Car Park or Magdalen Road Car Park
