Hello

I’m Dr Helen Matthews, a HCPC registered clinical psychologist with over 13 years of experience working with children, parents, and individuals. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) from the University of Hull and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of York.  I have worked across a wide range of NHS services, including CAMHS, community adult mental health, neuropsychology, and health psychology. 

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Throughout my career, I’ve supported people with difficulties such as anxiety, trauma, bereavement, burnout, low mood, and the impact of chronic health conditions. I am passionate about working with neurodivergent people around adjustment, shame, and past trauma, and in supporting families through difficult experiences such as traumatic bereavement, burnout, anxiety and parenting challenges. I specialise in trauma-informed therapy, with a special interest in the mind-body connection. My experience also includes facilitating therapeutic parent groups such as a parent bereavement group, providing staff training, and publishing research. 

 

Alongside my private practice, I currently work part-time in paediatric psychology at Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital. 

 

Outside of work, I value activities that keep me grounded, connected, and creative - such as surfskating (I’m very much a beginner!), yoga, pilates, weightlifting, and spending time in nature. I especially love being near water and watching a beautiful sunset. I also enjoy creative hobbies, film nights with my family, and caring for the people closest to me. My values, both in life and as a therapist, include compassion, honesty, creativity, learning, connection with nature, and being nurturing towards myself and others. These passions and values reflect the authenticity and balance I aim to bring into my therapeutic work.

 

I encourage you to come exactly as you are, because all parts of you are welcome here. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I also practice what I teach; you’ll often find me sitting cross-legged to feel grounded, using fidget aids, or choosing clothes that help me feel comfortable. It’s important to me that you feel the same freedom, so please bring anything that helps you regulate like fidgets, a comfort item, or let me know if I can adjust the therapy space to better suit your needs.