Matt Tidswell (MBACP)
About me
Hi. I’m Matt.
I am passionate about helping people improve their health and wellbeing and am here to help you explore your feelings in a non-judgemental way; offering a calm, caring and supportive approach.
In addition to conventional counselling, I offer Walk & Talk Therapy (see below.)
With both services I use person-centred counselling. You will be in control and can decide what you want to bring to each session. I will be there to help you explore your feelings, enabling you to find a way forward.
Frequently asked questions about Walk and Talk Therapy.
How does it work?
Walk and Talk Therapy is very similar to conventional counselling. It is one-to-one and strictly confidential. However, it takes place outside with the counsellor exploring the client’s feelings whilst walking outside.
Walking can reduce levels of depression, stress and anxiety. It can reduce tension and help boost self-esteem. Many people find it easier to express their feelings when surrounded by nature, in the fresh air and away from the confines of a closed room. Problems can be worked through one step at a time.
Where is it located?
I have various locations and routes that I use around Preston and the Fylde. We can discuss this to find the right one for you.
How fast do we walk?
The pace is determined by you. As your counsellor I will walk beside you. I am not there to judge you, but to support you as you explore your own personal feelings. Breaks can be taken as necessary. Sometimes, people find stopping and taking in a view of their surroundings helps them to focus on their feelings.
How long do we walk for?
Sessions last for 45 minutes. If you struggle to walk for this length of time, shorter routes and more frequent breaks can be taken. The focus is on providing a place for you to explore your feelings and not your fitness levels.
What about the weather?
I am happy to walk in any weather, providing I regard it as safe to do so. Umbrellas are provided on wet days, and bottled water on hot days.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Diploma in Person Centred Counselling and I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP.)
Prior to being a counsellor, I worked as both a GP Exercise Referral Consultant and a Lifestyle Coach. My experiences taught me how listening to people’s problems could make a positive difference to their confidence and self-esteem. This motivated me to become a counsellor.
Member organisations
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
BACP is one of the UK’s largest professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy. Therapists registered with the Association fall into a number of different membership categories such as Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP and Registered Member MBACP (Accred), each standing for different levels of training and experience. MBACP (Accred) and MBACP (Snr Accred) members have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by the Association.
Registered members can be found on the BACP Register, which was the first register to achieve Accredited Voluntary Register status issued by the Professional Standards Authority. Individual Members will have completed an appropriate counselling and/or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but will not appear on the BACP Register until they've progressed to Registered Member MBACP status.
All members are bound by a Code of Ethics & Practice and a Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Fees
Session Fees
Payment by cash or bank transfer
Counselling Session
Duration: 50 minutes
Cost of each session: £28
Counselling sessions take place in Preston at an accessible venue with plenty of free parking available. There is a bus stop directly outside.
Walk and Talk Therapy (This service is limited during the Winter months)
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost of each session: £23
