Matthew Costello, BACP

Matthew Costello is a person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist who works from a compassionate, client-led stance. He holds registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. He aims to offer a calm space where people can talk about difficult moments and consider change. People often come to him with stress, anxiety, midlife concerns and relationship worries.

He uses an approach that prioritises the person's own experience and choices. That means listening closely, reflecting what is said and helping people identify their next steps. He draws on three years of practice working with a range of mental health tensions and neurodiversity challenges.

Matthew has supported people dealing with addiction, grief, trauma and mood concerns such as depression and bipolar. He also helps with practical life pressures like parenting strain, career crossroads and issues around self-esteem and body image. He offers straightforward, person-focused conversations rather than technical explanations.

Clients who have experienced anger, panic attacks, or isolation have worked with him to find clearer ways to cope day to day. He also assists with relationship communication, intimacy-related issues and navigating separation. Sessions aim to make small, manageable changes that add up over time.

Matthew encourages people to take the first step even when it feels hard. He explains options clearly and will work at a pace that suits each person. His work emphasises respect, steady listening and practical support for life changes.

How person-centred practice translates to online support

Matthew works from a person-centred perspective, which focuses on listening and helping people make choices that suit them. In practice this means the therapist follows what matters most to the individual and helps them name goals and next steps over a series of conversations.

In addition to that core approach, he draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that help with emotional regulation and coping. One technique involves teaching practical strategies to manage anxiety and panic, such as breathing and grounding exercises that can be used between sessions. Another approach focuses on exploring patterns in relationships and behaviour, helping people spot repetitive cycles and try alternative responses that feel healthier.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and adapt methods to a person's needs, goals and preferences so treatment feels collaborative and realistic.

If you are considering online therapy, please confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around work, childcare and travel, and it can reduce time spent commuting. Some session arrangements also suit shorter check-ins or meetings where not being on camera is preferred, so discussing practical arrangements ahead of time helps make sessions useful and manageable.