Susan Matthews
Talking Therapies
Susan Matthews
Talking Therapies
About me
You may be experiencing distress and difficult and painful feelings, or perhaps would just like to talk something through with someone with whom you feel heard, understood and accepted, or would even like to change or develop some aspect of your life.
It can be a big step and can feel quite frightening to ask for help from a counselling professional, but from within a safe, confidential environment and non-judgemental, supportive relationship, I can offer help with whatever is important to you. I am a fully qualified, experienced psycho-therapeutic counsellor and registered member of the BACP.
Your individuality around your life story and what you may want from counselling is unique to you. My integrative training means I can work with you in a way that is best for you. I can do this by drawing from a number of techniques from within different approaches. These may be Transactional Analysis (TA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), creative approaches, relational and person-centered techniques and psycho-dynamic therapy. Depending upon your story we can find out together if solution-focused brief therapy, short-term counselling or longer-term in-depth therapy would suit you. I am also a Humanistic therapist and as such, focus on self-development, growth and personal responsibility, to help you recognise your strengths, creativity and your choices.
Training, qualifications and experience
I am a fully qualified counsellor, holding a BACP accredited Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (DTC) (with distinction) from the Northern Guild of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I also hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (with distinction) from Newman University which comprises my psychotherapy qualification in part. Study for a Master’s Degree in Integrative Psychotherapy is currently underway and together with clinical examination, will complete my psychotherapy training. All of my training is accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I adhere to their Ethical Framework for Good Practice as well as the Code of Ethics defined by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). All my clinical work is supervised in accordance with BACP and UKCP guidelines. I also undertake Continued Professional Development training on an ongoing basis.
I have worked as a counsellor for a number of years within an NHS setting. I have worked with clients to overcome a broad range of issues including depression, panic, anxiety, grief, trauma, addictions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, relationship issues and anger management. I also work with more long standing issues which my clients have described as placing limitations on them getting the most from their lives, and I have helped them to bring about changes they wish to see.
In addition to a counselling and therapeutic role, I have also worked within a business setting and can therefore appreciate any stresses and strains that your job or career can bring and appreciate how this can affect your feeling of well-being and your relationships.
Choosing a counsellor can be bewildering and your feelings about me are important for your potential journey ahead. You can find out more about my practice by going to my website that is given above.
I am a registered individual member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Member Organisations
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy – Individual Member (BACP)
International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA)
The Transactional Analysis Association (Scotland) (STAA)
Northern Guild for Counselling and Psychotherapy (NGP)