THERAPY FAQS LONDON - YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

I offer integrative psychotherapeutic counselling, which combines various therapeutic approaches tailored to meet individual client needs. These include relational and developmental theories, person-centred therapy, psychodynamic therapy, somatic trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and more. My practice is also informed by intersectionality, anti-oppressive practice, and cultural humility. I take a holistic outlook and believe it is essential to consider all aspects of your life: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. To learn more about how I work, click here.(https://www.matthewfrener.com/about-matthew-frener-therapy-london)

Integrative therapy is a flexible and inclusive approach that draws from different psychological theories and techniques to meet each client’s unique needs. Rather than following a single method, it combines insights from relational, humanistic, psychodynamic, and evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). This allows therapy to be personalised and holistic, addressing emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and relational aspects of your experience. In practice, this means we can adapt our work together as your needs and goals evolve, ensuring therapy feels both supportive and effective for you.

I work with adults of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. This includes individuals seeking one-to-one therapy, couples wanting to strengthen or repair their relationship, and groups looking for support and connection. I have particular experience working with people facing challenges such as trauma, addictions, eating disorders, ADHD, and emotional dysregulation.

Therapy can support a wide range of challenges, from day-to-day stress and anxiety to more complex difficulties. I work with clients experiencing depression, trauma, relationship struggles, identity questions, emotional dysregulation, eating disorders, addictions, self-esteem, and ADHD. Therapy can also be a space for personal growth, self-understanding, and developing healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

My therapeutic approach is unique because it is shaped by both my professional training and my personal values and lived experiences. I often describe it as a tree: the roots are my humanistic and relational values, the trunk is built from attachment and developmental theories, and the branches draw from a range of approaches including DBT, CBT, Internal Family Systems, somatic trauma work, and psychodynamic therapy. This integrative model allows me to adapt flexibly to each client’s needs while staying grounded in a consistent therapeutic foundation. Additionally, my extensive experience in treatment centres for eating disorders and addictions, along with my current role delivering DBT at the Priory, has given me a deep understanding of complex mental health challenges, emotional dysregulation, and recovery processes. Clients often appreciate the way I combine a structured, evidence-based approach with warmth, inclusivity, and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship.

Yes. I welcome and work with clients of all sexualities, genders, cultural backgrounds, faiths, and identities. My practice is informed by intersectionality, anti-oppressive values, and cultural humility, which means I aim to create a safe and respectful space where your full identity is seen and supported.

Finding the right therapist is a very personal decision, and it’s important that you feel comfortable. I encourage potential clients to speak with a few different therapists before choosing, so you can find the best fit for your needs. I offer a free introductory call to give you a sense of my approach and to help you decide whether working together feels right for you.

Yes. I offer a free introductory call so we can talk through what brings you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and see whether working together feels like a good fit. There’s no obligation to continue, it’s simply a chance to explore whether I’m the right therapist for you.

In the first session, we will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and any concerns you may have. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get a sense of how we might work together.

The length of therapy varies for each person and depends on your goals, needs, and circumstances. Some clients come for short-term support around a specific issue, while others find longer-term therapy helpful for exploring deeper patterns and making lasting changes. We’ll review our work together regularly so you can decide what feels right for you.

Yes, I am a Registered and Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).(https://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/411260/matthew-frener/london-sw5?search=matthew%20frener) This is a quality standard for experienced practitioners and means that I have met their rigorous training, practice, and ethical responsibility standards. It also ensures I work within a recognised professional framework, offering clients a safe, ethical, and accountable therapeutic service. I am also an Accredited Registrant of The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS),(https://www.search-ncps.com/search/FindaTherapist/NCS24-06133) and an Advanced Practitioner Member of Addiction Professionals.(https://addictionprofessionals.org.uk/directory/practitioner-directory/2568)

My practice is focused on working with adults (18+). If you’re seeking support for a child or young person, I’d be glad to suggest resources and services that specialise in this area, so you can find the right help for them.

I do not use client reviews or testimonials because of the ethical principles that guide professional psychotherapy work in the UK. Both the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) emphasise the importance of confidentiality, respect, and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. The BACP Ethical Framework underscores the need to protect client privacy and communicate information honestly and accurately, consistent with professional standards and client wellbeing (see the BACP Ethical Framework)(https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/). The UKCP Code of Ethics states that psychotherapists should not include client testimonials in advertising or public marketing, as testimonials can inadvertently compromise confidentiality, blur professional boundaries, or create pressure on clients that is inconsistent with ethical practice (see UKCP Code of Ethics)(https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/ukcp-members/standards-guidance-and-policies/#ethics). Because therapy is a private, relational process, I focus instead on clearly describing how I work, my training and professional accountability, and offering an introductory conversation so you can decide whether I feel like a good fit for you.