Matthew Higgins, BACP

Matthew Higgins became a therapist later in life, bringing decades of personal and professional experience to his practice. He adopts a non-judgemental, person-centred approach that prioritises listening and empathising, giving clients space to express themselves fully without labels or pre-conditions. Matthew believes the therapeutic setting should allow people to bring their whole selves, be treated with respect and dignity, and feel that their experiences are valid and understood.

He qualified in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in 2021 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy and completed the required 100 hours of client work during placements. He continues to work with a charitable counselling service in North Yorkshire and with a charity specialising in bereavement services, and he also volunteers with the Samaritans supporting people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Matthew works with clients of all ages but finds that people in later life often benefit from his experience when facing issues such as bereavement, new relationships after separation or loss, blending families in later life, redundancy, career change, loneliness and isolation. He holds BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and understands that counselling is not formulaic. While his training was broadly in the Carl Rogers person-centred tradition, he recognises that some clients may benefit from more directional or challenging approaches tailored to their needs.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Matthew draws on client-centred therapy to create a trusting, non-directive space where the person is at the centre of the work. This approach focuses on empathy, unconditional positive regard and listening, and can help with issues like low self-esteem, depression and general life stressors.

He also uses Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relationships influence current patterns of relating. This approach can be helpful for people experiencing difficulties in close relationships, grief, or repeated relationship conflicts.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey and is decided collaboratively. Matthew works with clients to identify goals and preferences, and together they choose or adapt methods that best fit the client’s needs and circumstances.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, offering flexible ways to engage with a registered professional. These formats make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family and other commitments, and support continuity of care for clients who live apart from their therapist or travel frequently.