Your Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer free sessions?
Matt does not offer free or discounted sessions. If you are genuinely struggling to pay, you may pay in instalments, at Matt's discretion. It might be helpful to note that due to the way he works, weekly sessions are not necessary. As we move into different times, we can all see that money exchange is changing. This is why Matt is happy to look at other ways to pay, for those whom this resonates with, such as alternative currencies. Also something to note is that Matt's way of working actually saves you money in the long term as it is usually swifter than traditional therapy.
How long do sessions last?
Your first session is ninety minutes. Thereafter they last a full hour. Matt works in a way that is quite different from traditional therapy. He does not believe in ‘the therapeutic hour’ which traditionally lasts fifty minutes. This was actually done to purely give the therapist, who often worked in clinical environments, time to write notes between sessions. Matt does not think this is client-focussed and therefore gives the full hour.
How many sessions will I need?
Some clients prefer a course of therapy, this usually consists of six or twelve sessions. For those clients, they feel better about having committed to a course, knowing that they have a session coming up. For others, just one session is enough. Most clients tend to book one or two sessions, with two weeks between, then book regular monthly check-in appointments. Other clients will complete their course (if they have booked the six or twelve session package) often with two weeks between session, then check-in on a monthly or even six-monthly basis. It depends very much on you and what you prefer. If you choose to have the initial free of charge chat, Matt will know how many you will need to begin with.
Do I have to sign-up for therapy and commit to sessions?
Matt is quite concerned that he receives a lot of enquiries from prospective clients who have seen, or attempted to see, therapists who wanted them to sign a contract agreeing to long term therapy and/or a set number of session every week, before the therapist would accept them. This is unethical and Matt does not expect you to commit to long term therapy. Your only commitment is to attend the sessions you have paid for and booked. See Ts and Cs for cancellation policy etc. Please note - Matt always sends contact forms and a basic assessment prior to you booking your first appointment. Some clients assume that these are a contract to tie them in to seeing Matt - not at all. The contact forms and assessment are necessary for health, safety and confidentiality, as well as for GDPR regulations.
Does Matt do online therapy?
Yes. This has been the case for many years, but of course with the pandemic, he does all sessions online. This includes email support, which is different from face-to-face online or phone therapy. Please see Online Therapy for details.
What is the difference between this and traditional therapy?
It's quicker, is the short answer! Matt is fully trained in therapy and also an empath, often called a healer. This means that he is deeply empathic and can sense the energy that is connected to your emotions, psychological processes and more. In practice this feels like another human being really connects with you, hopefully understands you, and he can mirror your process very quickly. He does give advice, he doesn't robotically 'head nod' as many traditional therapists do, and he has a great sense of humour. When you feel like pants - someone shining a light back at you, with a cheeky giggle, can often be a gift in itself.
I have alternative views on COVID, can I talk about this?
Yes.
Does Matt have a clinic?
Matt currently does not have a clinic in Cheshire. He occasionally does a clinic in London. For clients who prefer in-person therapy, Matt has a mobile therapy service. Please enquire.
I’m in therapy already, can I still see Matt?
It is unlikely but it will depend on the therapy you are having. Feel free to enquire.
I’m already in therapy, so don’t want to book sessions, but can you answer some questions I have that my current therapist can’t answer?
Please see the previous answer as this is likely to apply. Matt charges £35 per email response, should this be appropriate, that covers usually 1000 words or more. Please see Online Therapy for details.
I’m a student therapist, can I pick your brains?
Matt is happy to support emerging therapists. He charges per response. Please enquire.
I’m a researcher and would like to interview you for my research project
It will depend on the project but Matt does take part in research and has taken part in different social inclusion projects. You will need to be at PhD level or above and have a professional/academic profile that he can view, preferably online.
Do you work with LGBT people?
It is sad that clients sometimes need to ask this question, but the reality is that many therapists are simply not LGBTQAI+ friendly. Matt works with all sexual orientations and gender identities, and has vast experience in this area. He believes that (and research shows) LGBTQAI+ people are more likely to experience mental health challenges than heterosexual people. Prejudice, bullying and oppression forms part of this, as does familial attitudes to your sexual orientation or gender identity. Feel free to enquire for further information.
Do you work with sex workers?
Sex workers, as LGBTQAI+ people, are more likely to experience mental health challenges. Sex work is a stigmatised profession. Often sex workers find it very hard to find a therapist who doesn't 'pathologise' their job. This means that the therapist, or any practitioner, assumes that the sex work is harmful and that the sex work itself is the sole reason to seek therapy. Matt is pro decrim and has seen many sex working clients. He understands that to most it is just a job, that some enjoy it and some don't, that some feel financially trapped in it (as with many jobs) and that some enjoy it more than any job they've done. It's all about you - and you won't be judged here.
Thank you!
Do you have a question? Please contact Matt and he will do his best to support you. You may also want to check out the About Matt page.
