Hayley Matthews , BACP, NCPS

Hayley Matthews is a qualified therapeutic counsellor who has provided both short-term and long-term counselling within a mental health service, working with people facing a wide range of mental health difficulties. She supports individuals presenting with depression, anxiety including social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress, relationship problems, loss and bereavement, loneliness and isolation, life-changing events, family issues, work-related stress, addiction, and challenges with confidence and self-esteem.

Her practice is grounded in a person-centred, relational approach that emphasises genuineness, warmth, honesty, respect and a non-judgemental stance. Hayley believes that each person experiences the world in a unique way and that exploring life experiences can help make sense of present difficulties, identify realistic solutions, and improve wellbeing. She works collaboratively to process thoughts and feelings and to develop strategies that suit each individual.

Hayley may invite clients to use creative methods such as metaphor, creative writing, or journaling, and she draws on techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused brief therapy to broaden therapeutic options. She offers online and telephone sessions and practises with clinical supervision. Hayley is a registered member of the BACP and NCPS, both professional counselling organisations, and she is fully insured to practise. Previous clients have provided positive feedback and reported benefit from the therapeutic relationship and the support provided.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Hayley Matthews works with several evidence-informed approaches tailored to individual needs. Attachment-Based Therapy examines how early relationship patterns influence current emotional responses and can be helpful for issues around intimacy, abandonment, and recurring relationship difficulties. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathy, acceptance and the client’s own pace of change - it supports exploration of self-esteem, bereavement, life transitions and personal values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and is often used for anxiety, low mood and stress management.

Finding the best approach is collaborative. Hayley works with each person to consider their needs, goals and preferences and may blend methods over time to discover what fits best for the individual.

Online therapy via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging adds practical flexibility and accessibility. These formats make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family or mobility needs and allow therapists and licensed professionals to provide consistent support in different modes of communication - from spoken conversation to written reflection - so the style of therapy can match what feels most helpful.