Matthew Campling

I currently have availability.  I work from 9am to last start 6pm, Monday to Friday.  

I have worked as a therapist since 1994.  For 10 years I wrote magazine advice columns ('agony uncle') and I have a great deal of experience, skill and training to offer. I may make tentative suggestions or connections and offer them to you.  I work 'client-centred' so it's always about how YOU see things.  I'm here to help you make sense and sort out your life.

I work from my comfortable home a few minutes from Broadstairs town. I see people face-to-face, also online via WhatsApp and Zoom.  The sessions are 50 minutes for individuals and 75 minutes for couples.

I once needed therapy myself.  The process I saw in my own work helps me understand what clients may be going through.  I remember being tentative and nervous, thinking I would be challenged and criticised.  In fact, once or twice that happened, so I absolutely know how sensitive someone feels and I just don't behave like that.  My object is always and only to understand what's happening in your world, and help you make sense of it.  I offer CBT and ACT because I've found the information and process is very helpful in dealing with negative thinking in the now and negative and painful past memories.

I bring enthusiasm - but not too much, this isn't about me - and a great deal of commitment to my work.  I have worked with many, many clients over the last 30 years and it's been rewarding for them as well as myself.  

Once the session has been confirmed and paid for I will send two documents on how my practice works.  This is helpful for both of us.  The first session is no different, I'll start off with an open question 'What brings you here?' or 'Where would you like to start?'  Sometimes the client doesn't know, so I can use my knowledge and experience to bring up some starting points.  Five minutes before the end (ie 45 minutes in) we'll have a recap of what we've talked abount and mutually decide if it's a good idea to make the next session.  

I find I don't want to bombard the client with questionnaires, I like things to flow out naturally.  However I have lots of proven methods, like CBT/ACT and others, that I can share when it seems helpful.  

My clients often say, around the fourth session, 'I don't know WHY it feels different, but I'm aware of having more choice, and feeling less bothered.'  This is because I trust the client's own psyche.  I deeply believe that our psyche WANTS us to get better.  And in sessions, the right sort of help makes for the client getting real, positive and effective relief.