Dr Matthew Geary

Currently, I have availability for face-to-face and online work. Please contact me for details.

Based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, working face-to-face but also offering online for those who prefer it or are further afield, I am a fully qualified integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, meaning that I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches (person-centred, psychodynamic and relational) to suit your needs and unique situation.

Integrative counselling is a holistic, flexible approach to therapy that looks at the whole person, taking into account your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

The client-counsellor relationship is key to successful therapy. Therapy can be challenging. Hence, I aim to build a trusting, non-judgmental relationship that helps you feel safe and secure. In this setting, you can come to understand your life history, behaviours, difficulties, or triggers. From this, you can begin to heal, set goals and make positive adjustments to improve your health, happiness, relationships, and satisfaction with life.

I offer long or short-term, face-to-face or online counselling in a safe, secure, calm, and confidential listening environment, and the sessions proceed at your pace.

I am fully insured and a supervised registered member of the BACP and adhere to their ethical framework to ensure good practice. 

I work with 18+ adults and have experience working with: addiction, abuse, anger, anxiety, bereavement, depression, gender and identity issues, mental health and physical health related issues, maternal issues, men’s issues, relationships, trauma and post-traumatic stress, self-esteem, sex and sexuality related issues, women’s issues.

I have a background in academia, and I completed my doctorate in English Literature and Psychoanalysis at the University of Birmingham in 2016. I publish regularly on psychoanalysis and counselling and psychotherapeutic theory and practice.

The use of the title Dr in this directory listing relates to the member’s doctorate qualification. However, this does not imply a general medical qualification.

I offer a friendly, calm, and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings in safety to assist your healing, understanding and growth.

My role is to listen and help you through the counselling process with compassion and without judgment or advice. I may, however, give information or offer suggestions regarding further support. If at any time I feel I cannot help you in some way, I will offer to refer you to someone who can. 

I believe in being accepting, compassionate, gentle, open-minded, and non-judgemental. 

For more information, see www.spiritofeden.co.uk

Client Testimonies

‘Matt really was the perfect balance of challenge, truth, compassion, empathy, and calm. I know Matt may find it challenging for me to proportion credit to his style as a key attribute to my change. He is humble but damn good at what he does. It was a life changing experience. Thank you Matt, truly.’
– J. R.

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‘I feel as if I have changed massively in the few months I’ve seen Matt and I love all the things he’s taught me and will continue to use and learn more about it all! . . . I’m so unbelievably thankful and I know he is going to help so many more people like me! Thank you Matt you’ve really helped me change for the better and be nicer to myself.’ – T. H.

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'You were the exactly the person I needed at exactly the right time and I’ll be ever grateful. At the heart of it I just wanted to say thank you. It’s something I can’t express enough, none of the above will get that across as much as I’d want it to.' - C. G.

(permissions have been granted to use these testimonies)

I offer a free initial 15-20 minute phone or video call. This allows you to explain your reasons for seeking counselling. After speaking, you are welcome to book your first session. However, there is no obligation to start therapy if you do not want to. 

Then, in the first session, we will explore what has brought you to counselling, discuss expectations, and I will explain how I work. 

The first session lasts 50 min and at the end you can decide if counselling is for you, and I will also consider if I am the right counsellor to work with you. My primary interest is that you get the help you need.

Counselling can be long or short-term, face-to-face or online. We can agree a fixed duration for counselling or work on a monitored, open-ended basis, where we review what is needed every six sessions.

I offer the consultation session at a reduced rate of £35. Subsequent weekly sessions are £55.