Hi, I'm Matt. You've taken a courageous and positive step in seeking a therapist to work with. It can be really nerve-wracking to find the strength to reach out and ask for support - I've certainly been there, and have been personally helped by counselling in my own life!
With a warm and non-judgemental approach, I create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I'm an experienced, insured and ICO-registered therapeutic counsellor, and an accredited registrant with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Acc.)
I have a solid working knowledge of a relational type of therapy - the person-centred approach - and this allows me to provide a personalised and empathetic relationship that is tailored to the unique needs of each individual. This type of counselling puts you in control and the sessions are generally led by yourself - I won't tell you what we should talk about or assume I know more about you than you do. You are the expert in your own life, after all! We will work together to help you to identify what you would like to change and how you might be able to do that within a safe space. I've been described by my clients as down to earth, real, relatable and very, very human!
I'm extremely passionate about helping people find their own inner strength and resources, and providing a space for them to find their own answers and solutions to what has brought them to counselling. I also have a particular interest in and passion for supporting people to find more meaning in their lives, and often bring elements of existential and pluralistic approaches into the way in which I practice. I've had over eight years of intensive personal therapy as part of my own training journey, and so have a genuine understanding of what therapy can be like from a client's perspective.
If you're seeking a therapist who will meet you where you are and support you every step of the way, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'd be happy to chat, see how I can help and discuss whether we'd be a good fit.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Body image, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Immigration issues, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Multicultural concerns, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy
NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred) #NCS21-01222
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Matt Lightfoot. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Matt has a very good therapeutic demeanour and this was evident from the point we first met. His presence is a calming one. This is essential for someone with PTSD. He is attentive and takes notes during our sessions. This gives a good impression. That he is invested and is showing that each client is individual. In taking notes the client is given the impression that their voice is being heard.
Matt has allowed me to talk extensively. As someone who has no emotional support - this need to speak has been recognised and encouraged. When Matt does respond it is always to validate. To someone who has a need to be heard this is totally invaluable. Of course, I would always welcome objective criticism as I am often lost and emotionally dys regulated. I am also open therapeutic advice. On a few occasions Matt has gently offered some suggestions. On the whole, though, I have made it obvious that I have a need to vent. Such is the emotional baggage I carry.
Matt holds a space for me to do this. And for this I am exceedingly grateful.
Sometimes I leave our sessions quite guilty. That I have sucked the oxygen out of the room. However, my need to talk is great. I have not had a therapist for 8 years. And in that time I have endured further trauma. To have found Matt in the vast enclave of the BetterHelp directory - I feel that I have struck gold. I could not ask for a better therapist. Please look after him. He is a valuable member of your team.
Written on Mar 09, 2025 after therapy with Matt for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
Matt is always in tune with me, and I can’t ask more from a therapist than that.
Written on Jan 10, 2025 after therapy with Matt for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Has been so good, always listens and a brilliant person to talk to, makes me feel normally with my problems and I’ve loved every session with him.
Written on Dec 20, 2024 after therapy with Matt for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
So lucky to have found Matt! After a few false-starts with different therapists, his approach & kind demeanor helped me realise how valuable therapy can be. Would recommend Matt to anyone looking to better understand themselves :)
Written on Jul 22, 2024 after therapy with Matt for 9 months on issues concerning self esteem, and coping with life changes
Matt is a fantastic therapist - I would recommend him to anyone.
Written on Jun 26, 2024 after therapy with Matt for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and adhd
Professional, personable and engaged
Written on Jun 06, 2024 after therapy with Matt for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd