Matthew Baskott
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This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
About me
My name is Matthew (he/him), and I am an individual, intimate relationships and group psychotherapist specialising in addiction, self-harm and self-limiting patterns. I work with people to develop ways of better handling conflict with ourselves and each other through open, honest and direct communication.
A famous writer (William Faulkner, to be more specific) once wrote that "the only thing worth writing about is the human heart in conflict with itself". His statement also applies to good therapy. Conflict, whether manifesting internally through experiences such as bodily tensions or externally in our relationships, is not the only thing worth discussing, but it often provokes us to seek help.
We are divided in pain. The pain itself longs to be addressed and soothed in the presence of an understanding other, yet many of us have learnt to ignore our pain by minimising or distracting ourselves from it because this is what was done to us. While this is normal, our pain does not disappear. It lies dormant in our bodies and unconscious, where it joins the other forgotten-about pains, all waiting for an opportunity to be heard.
Chances are, you want something to change, and facilitating change is what I do. I don't pretend it will be easy. I take seriously the Gestalt concept of dialogue being a vibrant dance between support and challenge. Something new emerges when we push ourselves to our limits and stay with our discomfort. This venture into the unknown together is what I love about therapy. It's an open invitation to redefine who we think we are.
Through my decade-long experience within the mental health field and my work as a therapist with organisations supporting marginalised groups, including LGBTQIA+ people with London Friend, those with severe mental health conditions with Mind in Camden, and the homeless population with Providence Row, I have seen first-hand the relief that is possible when we come out of hiding.
While accepting our self-limiting traits as anything other than horrors to be extinguished can be daunting, there is ancient wisdom in respecting what dwells in the shadows. We will harness the forces within you that are eager for change while giving space to your fears. Accepting and validating both will not eradicate pain, but you will be able to bear your pain long enough to feel it transform.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a fully qualified adult psychotherapist accredited with the UKCP. I hold a diploma and an MA in Gestalt psychotherapy, an integrative approach.
Emerging as the radical offspring of psychoanalysis, Gestalt blends Western Existentialism and Eastern Zen philosophy to present a holistic understanding of human development.
I have been working in the mental health field for a decade and can accept clients who are in significant distress. I have a background in film and theatre, and I bring my creativity to the therapeutic relationship through images, fantasy, metaphors and dreamwork.
- Certificate in Gestalt Couples and Intimate Relationships (in progress).
- Psychotherapy Practitioner Diploma the Gestalt Centre 2024
- MA in Gestalt Psychotherapy
London Metropolitan University / the Gestalt Centre
2021 - Postgraduate Diploma in Gestalt Therapy London Metropolitan University / the Gestalt Centre
2020 - Postgraduate Certificate in Gestalt Therapy
London Metropolitan University / the Gestalt Centre 2019 - Certificate in Humanistic Counselling London Metropolitan University / the Gestalt Centre 2018
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£80.00 - £130.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
For 50-minute individual sessions, my fee is between £80 and £130.
For 90-minute couples and intimate relationships sessions, my fee is between £140 and £170.
You decide what price point works for your budget.
When I work
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My working hours are from 11am - 7:30pm, Monday to Thursday.
