Contact details: Matt Mcginty matt@mentalwellnesscounselling.uk
Tel. 01733 639 040
Practice Address: 33 St Johns Close, Peterborough, PE3 6GZ
Training
- Diploma Existential Counselling & Psychotherapy, N.S.P.C London
- Certificate Existential Counselling & Psychotherapy, N.S.P.C London
- Diploma in Gestalt Therapy & Theory, Gestalt Centre London
- Mindfulness Teacher Training, UK College of Mindfulness Meditation
- Level 1 & 2 Couples Therapy: Clinical Training, The Gottman Institute, Seattle
I also undertake a minimum of 30 hours Continuing Professional Development per year.
Code of ethics
I adhere to the BACP code of ethics for counselling and psychotherapy.
Supervision
I have regular supervision of my client work. Supervision is good practice and ensures that therapeutic standards are maintained.
My Approach
I use the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy which is based on Dr. John Gottman’s research that began in the 1970’s and continues to this day. The research has focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail. From this research, Drs. John and Julie Gottman have created a method of therapy that emphasizes a “nuts-and-bolts” approach to improving clients’ relationships.
This method is designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy in your relationship. To help you productively manage conflicts, you will be given methods to manage “resolvable problems” and dialogue about “gridlocked” (or perpetual) issues. We will also work together to help you appreciate your relationship’s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy consists of five parts:
- Assessment
- Treatment
- “Phasing Out” of Therapy
- Termination
- Outcome Evaluation
In the first few sessions, you’ll be given some written materials to complete that will help us better understand your relationship. In the first session we will talk about the history of your relationship, areas of concern, and goals for treatment.
Most of the work will involve sessions where you will be seen together as a couple.
However, there may be times when individual sessions are recommended. I may also give you exercises to practice between sessions.
How Long Should Therapy Last?
The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. In the course of therapy, we will establish points at which to evaluate your satisfaction and progress. Also, I will encourage you to raise any questions or concerns that you have about therapy at any time.
In the later stage of therapy, we will “phase out” or meet less frequently in order for you to test out new relationship skills and to prepare for termination of the therapy. Although you may terminate therapy whenever you wish, it is most helpful to have at least one session together to summarize progress, define the work that remains, and say good-bye.
In the outcome-evaluation phase, as per the Gottman Method, four follow-up sessions are planned: one after six months, one after twelve months, one after eighteen months, and one after two years. These sessions have been shown through research to significantly decrease the chances of relapse into previous, unhelpful patterns. In addition, commitment to providing the best therapy possible requires ongoing evaluation of methods used and client progress. The purpose of these follow-up sessions then will be to fine-tune any of your relationship skills if needed, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy received.
How Soon Will I We Start to Notice Things Getting Better?
Although it will probably take a little while for you to experience recovery from the problems that led you to seek out treatment, you will likely notice some improvements early on.
Most couples will notice some improvements in their relationship after just a few sessions. These early improvements include relief at being able to move past gridlocked issues in your relationship, gratitude for having a safe place where you can talk about your problems and a strong sense that you are gaining the skills you need for a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship.
Confidentiality
All information disclosed in therapy sessions is treated as confidential. However, there are specific instances in which it may be necessary to breach confidentiality. These are very rare, and I will discuss them in the first session. I will wherever possible, inform you before taking this action. Please see General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Information below.
Online Therapy
If we agree to have sessions via video conference, I will provide a link to a secure online counselling platform. If, due to technology failure, we are unable to hold a video session or must stop part way through, we can agree to continue via telephone or stop until the next scheduled session. If we agree to stop and less than 40 minutes of the session have been completed, then a partial refund will be offered based on the approximate number of minutes lost.
Contact
I am not always immediately available by phone; however, I have a confidential voicemail service which I check on a regular basis and will return calls as soon as possible. You can also text or email or book through my online calendar.
Fees
Face to face: £50 per 50-minute session
Online/Phone: £50 per 50-minute session
Payment is made by cash or card at the end of each session or by bank transfer in advance. For online sessions, payment is to be made by bank transfer prior to the session or I can issue an after-session invoice which you can pay using a bank or credit card.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel the session for any reason a minimum 24 hours’ notice is required.
