THERAPY BLOG LONDON

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.