Matthew Quickenden-Smith , BACP

Matthew Quickenden-Smith is a qualified counsellor and a registered member of the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which is the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. With six years of experience, he has supported people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds through periods of stress, depression and anxiety as well as challenges linked to relationships, family life and career transitions.

He works with issues that include grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger and self-esteem, alongside matters relating to intimacy and compassion fatigue. Matthew also has a focus on LGBT concerns and gender dysphoria, and he brings practical, empathic support to those navigating life changes and complex emotional experiences.

Matthew draws on client-centered and solution-focused approaches to help people explore their priorities and identify manageable steps forward. He approaches therapy collaboratively, recognising that beginning this work often requires courage and patience, and he aims to create a supportive space where people can build resilience, clarify goals and work toward greater wellbeing.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Matthew integrates client-centered therapy and solution-focused therapy into his online practice. Client-centered therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, empathetic stance in which the therapist listens closely and helps the person explore their feelings and values to find their own path forward. This approach is helpful for issues such as low self-esteem, relationship concerns and emotional processing.

Solution-focused therapy concentrates on identifying practical steps and small, achievable goals to create change more quickly. It is particularly useful for people who want to focus on immediate challenges like coping with stress, managing anxiety or navigating life transitions.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself, and Matthew takes a collaborative stance in determining what will best suit each person's needs, goals and preferences. He will discuss options and adapt methods to align with what feels most useful.

Offering sessions by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging provides flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access licensed professionals from a familiar setting, reduce travel time and allow people to choose the communication style that supports their engagement and progress.