Matthew Frener

Practitioner Directory

Services

Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling

About me and my practice

At the heart of my practice is the therapeutic relationship - a connection built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. I deeply value the bond between therapist and client, as it can provide the foundation for meaningful growth and healing. My aim is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore the challenges you’re facing with honesty and openness. Research consistently shows that a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship is key to achieving positive outcomes. Likewise, our ability to form meaningful, reciprocal connections with others is essential to our emotional well-being and resilience. That’s why I take a relational approach, focusing on building a genuine connection that empowers you to navigate life’s challenges and foster healthier relationships with yourself and others.​​

Outline of offer

Choosing to begin therapy is a courageous step and it’s important to know that you are not alone. That’s why I work collaboratively with my clients, walking alongside them as we explore the patterns that shape their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By understanding these patterns, we can begin to create meaningful change with the hope of unearthing the authentic self. Taking a holistic outlook, I believe it’s essential to consider all aspects of your life—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Together, we’ll address these interconnected areas, helping you break free from unhelpful cycles and build a foundation where you can truly thrive.​

Tailoring my methods to suit the specific needs of each client, I use an integration of various modalities. I firmly believe that therapy should adapt to the individual, not the other way around—there is no "one size fits all" solution. Every client brings a unique set of experiences, and to best support them, I draw on a range of therapeutic principles. While I am rooted in relational and developmental theories, I respond to clients with intuition, empathy, and compassion, incorporating elements of person-centred therapy, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment theory, and more.​​

If you are interested in working together, please email or call me to organise an introductory chat. This is where you can ask me any questions about the process of therapy and how I work. I will ask you about what is bringing you to therapy at this time, and together we can explore whether we will be a good fit for one another. There is no fee for the introductory chat and calls typically last 15-20 minutes. Calls can take place either by telephone or via Zoom, if you would prefer.

I work both within a time-limited, goal-orientated framework as well as on an open-ended basis. ​​​The first sessions are in the form of an assessment and it is a chance for me to get an accurate history from you, understand your difficulties and what you are hoping to achieve from therapy. It is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of the way I work and to co-create a personalised way forward. ​ ​Sessions run for 50 minutes and take place weekly at the same time, unless pre-arranged. On occasion, longer or more/less frequent sessions can be scheduled if deemed appropriate and beneficial. Longer sessions are charged on a pro rata basis.

I work with individuals, couples and groups and work from Earl's Court, West Hampstead and Online.

The optimum conditions for therapy exist when there is commitment and regularity in the arrangement from both therapist and client. This helps to establish a safe and contained therapeutic space. ​

​If you feel that you might benefit from therapy sessions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. ​​​Together, we’ll work toward building tools to navigate your difficulties while also embracing and celebrating the joys life has to offer.

Experience

Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years working in the theatre and arts sector. My own experience of seeking help for personal challenges sparked my passion for therapy and profoundly shaped the way I work. I frequently encourage my clients to engage with creative outlets in any form, as these can be therapeutic in their own right.

​​​Having begun my career as a Counsellor at one of London’s leading rehabilitation centres, supporting individuals recovering from addictions and eating disorders, my role included working one-to-one with clients, facilitating therapeutic groups and workshops, and involving families in the recovery process through regular meetings. During this time, I also became a qualified Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Practitioner and facilitated weekly skills groups to help clients build practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness. ​​

​​Currently, I hold a Level 6 Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling and am pursuing an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy, along with accreditation from the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). As an Advanced Practitioner Member of Addiction Professionals, I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice and ongoing professional development.

​​Having had the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds, I have supported them through challenges such as: addictions, eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and ARFID), personality disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, sexuality and identity issues, sex and porn addiction, self-harm, inner-child work, low self-worth, relational difficulties, and attachment trauma.