Rate Hayley Matthews

Hello, I’m Hayley and I am a qualified therapeutic counsellor. I have experience providing long term and short term counselling in a mental health service, working with clients presenting with a wide range of mental health problems and experiencing a variety of issues which include depression, anxiety, social anxiety, post traumatic stress, general anxiety disorder, relationship problems, loss and bereavement, loneliness and isolation, life changing events, family issues, work stress, addiction, confidence and self-esteem issues.

I appreciate that life has its obstacles and that change can be overwhelming. My core belief is that we all experience the world in a unique way which impacts on our reactions to what we are faced with. The person centred approach I offer will help you to explore your issues and together we will look at your life experiences and how they have impacted on you and to help you make sense of what is going on, look at ways to help your present and future challenges and assist you to process your thoughts and feelings in a safe, confidential space. Together we can work to improve your wellbeing and find realistic solutions that suit you.

I work relationally, which means I work wholeheartedly to empathise and understand you and help you to unmask the way in which you may present to the outside world, by providing genuineness, warmth, honesty, respect and being non-judgemental.

Having worked in the care sector for many years I have a real passion for people, to improve their quality of life, empower them and to help them find solutions to the issues which may be causing distress. Clients I have worked with have given positive feedback and have reported that they have truly benefited from the therapeutic relationship and service I offer.

Contacting a counsellor can feel daunting but could also be life changing. I offer sessions that work best for you and am qualified to provide online or telephone sessions. I have the skills to work creatively and may invite you to try to do this using metaphor, creative writing or journaling. I also draw on techniques from other approaches such as CBT and solution focussed brief therapy.

I am registered member of the BACP and adhere to their ethical framework which underpins my work. All of my work is clinically supervised and I am fully insured to practice.