Alison Matthews

I offer face to face, on-line and telephone sessions. I have some daytime sessions available, please contact me for my current availability.

Are you feeling out of balance or unsure why you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, anger, or low self-esteem? You may be coping with a loss, a relationship breakdown, a traumatic experience, or finding it difficult to communicate how you’re feeling. These experiences can leave you feeling alone, overwhelmed, or confused — and seeking support can be an important first step.

Psychodynamic therapy offers a gentle and thoughtful space to explore past experiences, unconscious ways of being and the relationship patterns that may be influencing your present life. Working with sensitivity and compassion, I support clients in developing greater self-awareness and insight, enabling them to make more conscious choices and find new ways forward.

I am a BACP registered counsellor experienced in working with a wide range of difficulties including bereavement, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. With a background in mentoring and management across education, the arts, and business sectors, I bring my openness, curiosity, and an appreciation for learning and expression into my counselling work. I believe deeply in each individual’s innate capacity for growth, creativity, and change. I work at a pace that feels right for you, offering a safe, respectful, and empathic therapeutic relationship where you can begin to speak openly and feel truly heard. Being attuned to how personal history, identity, and relationships shape emotional life, I work collaboratively with clients to explore both challenges and strengths.

With the opportunity to explore together what has brought you to counselling, you can begin to feel lighter and less burdened, with improved emotional wellbeing and a deeper sense of connection to yourself and others.

I work from a therapy room in the centre of St Albans with several public carparks and the mainline station within easy walking distance.

I work in person, by telephone and on-line via Teams. Each session lasts 50 minutes and I charge £60 per session.

You are very welcome to get in touch to explore what support might be helpful for you. I offer a free initial 20 minute call, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions and get a sense of how we might work together, before deciding whether to arrange a first session when it feels right for you.

All clients are offered an initial assessment session to give you opportunity to discuss your situation, your hopes for counselling and to help you decide if you are happy to work with me going forward.

This allows me to gather initial information and consider your key concerns, ensuring I am better placed to provide the right support to meet your specific needs.

My aim is to support you towards better emotional health and wellbeing.  In the event I feel your needs will be better met by an alternative therapist or service, I will advise and signpost you as required.