Matthew Smit

Psychotherapist

Background

I have been working in the mental health field for the past 8 years. I started my journey working with children on the autism spectrum and soon transitioned to counselling both children and adults. I have over 5 years of experience volunteering on a variety of crisis support lines.

My work as a therapist has primarily been in the community mental health space where I have worked therapeutically with young adults, those struggling with substance use issues, and in men’s mental health. Outside of my private practice, I work with men who have perpetrated violence to their families and the children affected by intimate partner violence in the family system.

 

Training and Education

I am a registered Psychotherapist and initially studied Psychology as my minor focus at the University of Auckland where I got my BA in Philosophy. I continued my studies while living in the United States. In America I completed a post-baccalaureate in Counselling Psychology from UC Berkeley Extension and continued to obtain a MA in Counselling Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, California.

My training was focused on the application of psychotherapy and the development of a wide range of therapeutic approaches that facilitates a deepening insight into our inner world.

 

Orientation

I practice a broad range of therapeutic modalities in the work I do. I believe that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to therapy and the uniqueness of each person means a unique approach to their journey with therapy. I am trained in a broad range of therapeutic models including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT, Existential Psychotherapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

I work under the humanistic philosophy of counselling where I believe the relationship between client and therapist is the primary indicator of positive outcomes in therapy.

I strive to facilitate a non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe and secure talking about some of the more difficult things in life while knowing confidentiality will be held at all times.

FAQs

Q Is counselling confidential?

- Yes, one of the most important aspects to counselling is that it is confidential between the counsellor and the client.
- There are a few rare limits to confidentiality that we will discuss in our first session.

Q What to expect in our first session?

- Our first session together will be focused on talking about what counselling is, what you are looking for support around and to answer any questions you may have.

Q How long is a counselling session?

- Usually 50 minutes
- We can talk about longer sessions if needed

Q Fees

- $160 Individual sessions
- $180 Couples sessions

- Payments via direct bank transfer
- I also offer sliding scale pricing

Q Cancellation policy

- I have a 24 hour cancellation policy.
- If the session is not cancelled within the 24 hours the full session price will be due. - Certain exceptions apply to unexpected events.

Q Registrations and Memberships

- Registered Psychotherapist
- Provisional Member of Association of Psychotherapists Aotearoa New Zealand (APANZ)

Q Qualifications

- BA in Philosophy (Auckland University)
- Post-Baccalaureate in Counselling Psychology (UC Berkeley Extension)
- MA in Counselling Psychology (Wright Institute, Berkeley, California)

Q Availability

- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 5:30pm

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