Dr Matthew Ireland

Dr Matthew Ireland is an existential psychotherapist working in private practice in person and online at The Awareness Centre in Clapham. Matt has an MSc in psychotherapy from the New School of Psychotherapy & Counselling  (NSPC) and a PhD in neuroscience from the Institute of Psychiatry. He is a full clinical member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the Universities Psychotherapy & Counselling Association (UPCA), and alongside his clinical work, Matt supervises postgraduate psychotherapy research students at the NSPC. His existential approach is a philosophical, in-depth exploration of how we relate to ourselves, others and the world, particularly when facing change or uncertainty.

Therapy doesn’t require a crisis – many of Matt’s clients begin when things are ‘fine’ but not fulfilling. Some feel like they’re performing their life rather than living it. On the surface, things seem ok – but inside, they often feel numb, disconnected, or are quietly questioning who they are and what they want. Others feel anxious or uncertain without knowing exactly what they want to change or why. Sometimes this includes struggling with shame, burnout or being caught in patterns they don’t fully understand. Matt welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds who seek meaning, clarity and a more authentic way of living in a world increasingly shaped by AI and digital performance.

Matt sees anxiety and doubt not as problems to fix, but as signals pointing to something important that’s asking for attention. Exploring these feelings can offer a deeply personal path to clarity, purpose and connection. His work is not about diagnosing or labelling clients but helping them better understand themselves and what their experience means to them, so they can make more informed choices and move from acting in life to authoring their future. His academic research into pornography use, shame and identity offers particular insight into emotional disconnection and self-worth. Having led teams in high-pressure creative and professional services settings, Matt understands the emotional cost of modern workplaces and career success.

Matt’s style is warm, respectful and grounded. He encourages relationships with clients where they can both show up as genuine people rather than working through detached, clinical interactions, making it easier to be vulnerable, speak openly and feel truly heard. His clients often say the process feels emotionally safe and intellectually credible. Therapy with Matt is open-ended, with no minimum commitment and can continue for as long as it feels helpful. If you’re curious and want to find out more, even if your particular issue isn’t mentioned here, you’re welcome to book an initial session to explore whether his approach feels right for you.