My name is Matt Hancocks and I am a practising counselling psychologist and psychotherapist based in Cumbria. (Previously Harrogate & Ripon Area).
You have arrived here, I suspect, because you feel that you have somehow lost your way in life. This can be for many complex and different reasons, but you don't have to be on your own with it. The world is becoming an increasingly complex, dynamic and demanding place to be, so sometimes taking some time out could benefit you enormously. An hour a week could help you:
... to explore your thoughts and feelings
... to get back on a front foot again
....create space to reflect on your life
....have some time and support to come to terms with things in your life that have and still affect you, the quality of your life and your relationships
.....make sense of the past, live more in the present and create hope for the future.
Talking to a counsellor and psychotherapist like myself can be the first step towards moving your life forwards.
I am committed to providing counselling and psychotherapy in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. I work outdoors from March to October, supplemented by video between sessions and in the darker months.
Although a passionate advocate for increased mental health service capability and increased access to psychotherapy in the region, many clients find NHS provision involves long waits or doesn't suit their needs. To this end I do have a flexible fee system which is based on a client's incomes, in order to make this type of service available to as many as possible.
I work with individuals on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period, with the aim of enabling you to enhance your life and to live it more fully. I've had some clients come to work with me on specific issues for 6 to 8 weeks, whilst other have stayed working with me on complex issues for a few years. What ever brings you to therapy, it can be a really beneficial experience whether is is for a short or long time.
I offer an exploratory session at a reduced price, as I believe it is important that we both feel we can work together and it allows you to get a sense of me and me of you. As a counsellor and psychotherapist operating in Harrogate, I do know many other Harrogate based counsellors and psychotherapist and therefore can refer you on if between us we don't feel we can work together, or availability and timing does not suit.
I specialise in issues around sexuality and trauma, as well as the psychology of men. I do however see women as well.
Stress
Relationship issues
Anxiety and depression
Bereavement
Childhood trauma
Trauma - I am an EMDR therapist
Childhood abuse
LGBT+ related issues
Sexuality, and
Addiction.
Often I am asked what can people expect from therapy. The answer is of course unique to each person. However, I do believe it creates a space for people to understand their past, experience being in the present more, and have a sense of hope for their future.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy aims to help clients gain insight into their difficulties or distress, establish a greater understanding of their motivation, and enable them to find more appropriate ways of coping or bring about changes in their thinking and behaviour.
What happens during psychotherapy?
Every session is different because every client is different, as are their problems. I will encourage you to talk and explore, in a structured way, your feelings and experiences. Depending on your background and inclinations we may use particular techniques as part of our exploration - for example, using art, imaging, dream or movement work.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Different people use the words counselling and psychotherapy in different ways, so there is no commonly agreed definition. There is a general understanding that a psychotherapist can work with a wider range of clients or patients and can offer more in-depth work where appropriate, but this is more down to individual experience etc.
My fees are £75 per session for standard 50 minute sessions. I do offer some discounts, but this is based on household income. Longer sessions of 90 minutes and EMDR based sessions of 90 minutes cost £100
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a membership organisation, with over 70 training and listing organisations, and over 7,500 individual practitioners.
UKCP holds the national register of psychotherapists, psychotherapists qualified to work with children and young people and psychotherapeutic counsellors, listing those practitioner members who meet exacting standards and training requirements. This is an accredited voluntary register with the Professional Standards Authority.
UKCP produces publications and runs meetings and conferences to inform and consult on issues of concern to practitioners and support continuing professional development.
As part of its commitment to protection of the public, UKCP works to improve access to psychological therapies, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards, and also deals with complaints against organisational members as well as individual members.
Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour. The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK and is responsible for the development, promotion and application of psychology for the public good.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07771 684684 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services. Find out more by reading my Privacy Policy.
© Matt Hancocks
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