Sam Matthews

I believe as a Counsellor I offer a warm, open approach to my clients, and try to be as encouraging, empathetic and congruent as possible. I have developed excellent listening skills to allow my client to feel safe and confident to be as open as possible. I became a Counsellor after having run my own successful Beauty salon for 26 years. I realised I had developed the skills to actively listen and empathise with people whilst being non-judgemental and compassionate. I firstly did a Counselling Diploma, and then converted that to a BA Honours Degree at the Glasgow Caledonian University.

I chose to specialise in Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at my home-based private practice in Andover. I have since added Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. While each of these approaches share similar objectives, each is also slightly unique in it’s ideas. I believe it is imperative to not fit the client to a specific model of counselling, but rather to use the most useful tools different approaches offer. Where CBT focuses on how your thoughts and feelings affect your behaviour, and teaches you how to change irrational, unhelpful thoughts to more useful, positive ones, ACT helps you learn to accept what has gone wrong in your past and learn to live more for the present. CFT offers a far gentler approach and teaches you how to learn to have more compassion and kindness for yourself.

I have several years experience treating issues such as stress and depression, grief and bereavement, crisis and trauma, PTSD, anxiety, relationship issues, addictions, childhood abuse and self-harm. I also have experience with various teenage issues such as bullying, low self-esteem and anxiety. I have worked with several local businesses offering my services to their employees, as well as being a volunteer Counsellor for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers at my local hospital. Here I have become experienced helping Carers who look after their relatives with Dementia, Parkinson’s and Huntingdons. I recently qualified as a Trauma Specialist.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please send either an email or telephone me to discuss your needs. During this consultation it offers you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding counselling, how often sessions are, their length, costs, if you have any financial worries etc. If you then decide you would like to work with me, we can then discuss treatment procedures and how to move forward.

I have worked both in the U.K. and Australia and work with all ages. I am also able to offer Skype, FaceTime and Zoom Counselling for those who would prefer it. My aim is to assist clients in gaining the strength and commitment to positively change and improve their life, to live more happily and with purpose.

I also have a beautiful Therapy dog called Ollie, who has been invaluable in helping relax and calm distressed clients. We both look forward to welcoming you to our practice.

£50.00 per 50 minute session.

£70.00 for couples counselling (60 minutes).

I can offer capped fees for those on benefits or out of work.

I am also offering online sessions via Skype or FaceTime and Zoom.