What topics does this blog cover?

This blog covers mental health, therapy, and psychological well-being from a clinical perspective. Articles focus on trauma, ADHD, DBT, attachment styles, addiction, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ mental health, with practical guidance written for people considering therapy or already in the process of healing.

Who writes these articles?

All articles are written by Matthew Frener, an integrative psychotherapist and DBT practitioner based in Fitzrovia, Central London. Matthew is BACP Accredited and MNCPS Accredited, with clinical backgrounds in residential treatment, NHS-adjacent services, and private practice.

How do I know if I need therapy?

There is no single threshold for starting therapy. Many people begin when they notice recurring patterns - in relationships, mood, or behaviour, that they have not been able to shift on their own. Others come after a specific event. Therapy can be useful at any point, not only in crisis.

Do you offer therapy in person or online?

Matthew Frener offers individual therapy sessions both in person in Fitzrovia, Central London, and online via Zoom video. Both formats follow the same clinical approach and session structure.

What topics does this blog cover?

This blog covers trauma, ADHD, DBT, attachment styles, addiction, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ mental health, with practical guidance for people considering or already in therapy.

Who writes these articles?

All articles are written by Matthew Frener, a UKCP Registered and Senior Accredited BACP integrative psychotherapist and DBT practitioner based in Fitzrovia, Central London.

How do I find the right therapist in London?

Identify what you need help with, find a therapist with specific experience in that area, and check they are registered with UKCP, BACP or NCPS. An introductory call before committing is strongly recommended.

THERAPY BLOG LONDON

Mental health insights
and guidance.

This blog offers expert insights and reflections into mental health challenges like anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, and relationships - with practical guidance for healing, self-awareness and how to choose the right therapist.

Last updated: 17th May 2026

Matthew Frener | UKCP Reg, MBACP (Snr Accred), SNCPS (Accred)

All articles on this blog are written by Matthew Frener, an accredited integrative psychotherapist and DBT practitioner based in Fitzrovia, Central London. Matthew works with adults on trauma, ADHD, attachment, addiction, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ mental health, drawing on clinical backgrounds in residential treatment, outpatient services, and private practice.

UKCP

Full Clinical Membership

BACP

Senior Accredited Member

NCPS

Senior Accredited Registrant

Addiction Professionals

Advanced Practitioner Member

Addiction & Compulsive Behaviours

Last updated: April 2026

A collection of writing on addiction, compulsive behaviours, emotional regulation, shame, and the deeper patterns that can drive self-destructive or hard-to-shift coping strategies. This category explores substance use, process addictions, and compulsive habits with a relational, trauma-informed lens, helping you better understand the emotional pain, survival strategies, and unmet needs that may sit beneath them.

Addiction therapy session in London - private integrative therapist in Fitzrovia

Addiction Therapy in London: How to Find the Right Private Therapist (And What to Expect)

Private addiction therapy in London can be helpful, but it is not always the right first step. This guide explains what outpatient therapy involves, how to find a therapist with real addiction experience, when medical detox or a higher level of care is needed, and what to expect from the process. Written by an integrative therapist with experience in residential treatment, outpatient services, and private practice.

Addiction & Compulsive Behaviours

Matthew Frener

Apr 811 min read

Frequently asked questions

Integrative psychotherapy draws on more than one therapeutic approach rather than following a single fixed model. A therapist may combine psychodynamic understanding, attachment theory, CBT, and DBT depending on what a particular person needs. The aim is to tailor the work to the individual rather than fitting them into a predetermined framework. To read more about my specific approach to integrative psychotherapy, click here.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment originally developed for people with intense emotional experiences. It teaches practical skills across four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is commonly used for personality disorders (such as BPD and EUPD), trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, and difficulties with emotional regulation.

Start by identifying what you are looking for help with, then look for a therapist with specific experience in that area. Check that they are registered with a recognised professional body such as BACP or NCPS. Reading their website carefully and arranging a brief introductory call before committing are both important steps. If you need more in-depth information on finding the right therapist, click here.

MATTHEW FRENER

INTEGRATIVE COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

THERAPY BLOG LONDON

Mental health insights
and guidance.

UKCP

BACP

NCPS

Addiction Professionals

Addiction & Compulsive Behaviours

Addiction Therapy in London: How to Find the Right Private Therapist (And What to Expect)

Frequently asked questions

What topics does this blog cover?

Who writes these articles?

What is integrative psychotherapy?

What is DBT and who is it for?

How do I know if I need therapy?

How do I find the right therapist in London?

Do you offer therapy in person or online?

MATTHEW FRENER

INTEGRATIVE COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

​

THERAPY BLOG LONDON

Mental health insights and guidance.

Addiction & Compulsive Behaviours

Addiction Therapy in London: How to Find the Right Private Therapist (And What to Expect)

Frequently asked questions

What topics does this blog cover?

Who writes these articles?

What is integrative psychotherapy?

What is DBT and who is it for?

How do I know if I need therapy?

How do I find the right therapist in London?

Do you offer therapy in person or online?

Mental health insights
and guidance.