- Years in practice
- 3
- Registration
- BACP
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Grief
About Matthew
Matthew Higgins is a counsellor who often connects with parents feeling overwhelmed by the daily demands of family life. He speaks plainly and listens without judgement, giving people time to say what they need to. His approach suits those who want steady, calm support when stress, grief or parenting pressures feel too much.
He became a counsellor later in life and brings experience from other careers into his work. Matthew completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy in Leeds in 2021 and holds BACP accreditation.
Background and approach
He gained over 100 client hours during placements and continues to work with charitable services in North Yorkshire and with bereavement charities. He also volunteers with the Samaritans. In sessions he prioritises a person-centred style, listening and empathising so clients can speak openly.
He adapts when people need a more direct challenge or a different way of looking at things. That flexibility helps when issues range from anxiety and depression to relationship stress and addictions. Matthew has experience supporting people through bereavement, redundancy, relationship changes and feelings of isolation.
He often works well with people in later stages of life who face life transitions, but he sees adults with many kinds of concerns, including parenting and family stress. Sessions aim to give practical ways to manage emotions and clearer thinking about next steps.
Conversations tend to be straightforward and calm, focused on what the client needs right now and what might help in the weeks ahead.
What Matthew works with
Everything Matthew lists, in their own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Matthew helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Addictions
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
Approaches Matthew lists
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
Therapy approaches and how online sessions work
Matthew often draws on person-centred ideas and emotionally-focused work in online sessions. Person-centred counselling focuses on listening, empathy and helping people speak freely about what matters to them; it suits parents who need space to talk about stress, grief or parenting worries. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people identify and name strong feelings and the patterns that keep them stuck, which can be useful for relationship strain, attachment concerns and intense emotional reactions.He sees finding the right approach as a joint process. During the first sessions he will discuss aims, listen to what matters most, and suggest ways of working. The choice of methods evolves with the client’s goals, and adjustments are made together if something does not feel helpful.
Online work is offered by video call, phone, live chat and text-based messaging to make sessions more flexible. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in fits a lunch break. Live chat and messaging suit quick reflections, ongoing support between sessions, or people who prefer not to use a camera. These options help people fit counselling around family life and other commitments.
Questions people ask about Matthew
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He helps with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and family pressures, parenting difficulties, sleep and eating problems, anger, bipolar and life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He mainly uses a person-centred approach that focuses on listening and empathy. He can also use attachment-based or psychodynamic ideas and offer more directional work when clients need challenge or new perspectives.
How much experience does he have?
Matthew has three years of counselling experience since completing his postgraduate diploma in 2021, and he continues to work with charities and community services alongside volunteer roles.
Where is he based and what credential does he hold?
He is based in the United Kingdom and holds BACP accreditation as listed in his profile.
Can sessions be held in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Which session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and situations.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to his availability.
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