Meet the Therapist: Matthew Landers
Matthew Landers is a counsellor in Hackney and online
What attracted you to become a therapist?
My journey to being a therapist has definitely not been a linear one. I was a trained actor and then a screen writer working long hours in TV. I never thought I’d end up as a therapist if I’m honest but it wasn’t until I sought therapy myself, suffering from panic attacks brought on my excessive workload and social life that I found my true passion.
I had been on a long journey to recovery by that point, studying meditation and Eastern practices, as well as neuroscience, all of which had opened my mind to new ways of being and experiencing life. Having therapy built on these discoveries and suggested a career where I could help share them with others and provide the insight and relief I had found myself through my own issues.
Where did you train?
I trained in integrative counselling at the Awareness Centre. I also trained as a meditation/mindfulness teacher at the Veda Centre. I also have a degree in Training and Education .
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I’ve studied the best in Western psychology and neuroscience combined with an in-depth and practical education in mindfulness, meditation and somatic therapy. This led me to develop a system of therapy using a combination of all these schools that works with the mind/body connection that sometimes, some other psychotherapy ignores.
Working with the mind and its connection to the body, I find always gets to the heart of the problem, allowing clients to develop a better understanding of their lives, thoughts and emotions. Through this new-found awareness can come real, long term, positive change and a better sense of self.
How does your type of therapy help?
Thoughts arise in the mind. Emotions in the body. It's only by understanding both that we can truly fix things. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem are all reactions to thoughts in the mind that manifest as emotions in the body. By firstly exploring the context of these reactions through talking and listening, and then focusing on the emotions fuelling them using mindfulness and visualisation techniques, we are able to process, and bring understanding to our problems; bringing relief and, eventually, a great sense of peace.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I have helped people with long-term and short-term issues such as severe anxiety, OCD, depression, self-harm and trauma. I also have experience working with low self-esteem, relationship issues, bereavement and life transitions.
I currently work with adults of all ages, from 18 all the way into old age.
Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?
The speed of life and the amount of stimulation we are subject to, is a major factor in a lot of mental health problems. The brain is just not meant to operate in the way society demands. It’s still the greatest computer in existence; however, even super computers need downtime. I am always amazed at the power of allowing a client a little time to pause and breathe. To listen and then gently focus their attention on themselves and the sensations that are fuelling their distress.
We move at such a frantic pace that we often miss the signals from our bodies. The body has an intelligence all of its own and if we don’t listen to its whispers of warning, then it learns to shout. This is what the recent outbreak of anxiety and panic attacks is in my opinion. Along with a demanding work environment that encourages low self-esteem.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I have always loved and been fascinated by people. I wrote about them for along time, studying our relationships, fantasies, hopes dreams and fears in order to make entertainment. It always felt superficial though. What goes on in therapy is something quite special and magical. It opens a door onto a different why of being, both in our lives and with ourselves, and reveals things about life and reality that we miss in the speed of our day to day.
There is a depth to therapeutic work and the help it provides that is a privilege to be part of. It never fails to amaze me the progress that can be made with a little compassion and understanding.
What is less pleasant?
The business side of things is always a struggle for me. Keeping up with advertising, admin etc. The work is always special but running your won business less so. But the job is worth it.
How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?
I have only been with Welldoing a couple of weeks but am already impressed with the in depth profiles and client matching software. It’s a game changer.
What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients?
The best book that combines East and West practice and the neuroscience that informs my work is Why Buddhism is True. Despite the title this is not a religious book at all, but written by a leading evolutionary scientist robustly exploring Buddhist techniques and why they work on the brain. It’s great.
What you do for your own mental health?
In order to be the best for my clients I keep up with all the practices that I use in session. I meditate twice a day, and do yoga when I can. I love a long walk and can often be seen stomping through the city in order to avoid the underground.
You are a therapist in E9, Hackney and Bow. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?
I find I have a wide range of clients. The area I work is a relatively young one and very hip and vibrant, but while I do work with young professionals my oldest client has been 73.
I am interested in working with all types of clients and am lucky enough to be situated in an office with links to a number of areas of the city. London is a great place to work and Hackney allows access to a lot of it.
What’s your consultation room like?
I have an office in a building in the vibrant area of Hackney Wick. I decorated it myself and I like to think it’s an oasis of calm in a bustling metropolis.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
That it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Embarking on the therapeutic journey is actually such a positive and exciting step that has the potential to change your entire life for the better, and in ways you never expected.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
The power of compassion and understanding. The importance of being seen and being listened to without judgement. The ability of all emotions to be positive if heard and met and explored in the right way. Every emotion in the body is trying to help us, even if they cause us pain. We just have to listen and find out what they want. The results can be amazing.
