Hello, my name is Chris Madden and I’m an experienced, BACP registered, Counselling Psychotherapist. I will offer you a confidential, safe and non-judgemental place to explore a present difficulty. Please scroll down to learn about the benefits of counselling/therapy, find a little bit about me and how we might work together. Although I’m based in Leeds, I also work remotely (online and by phone) so wherever you are we can still work together.
I work with a range of issues including anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, panic attacks, feeling sad, low self-esteem, family issues and low self-confidence and trauma amongst others.
How can Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy help you?
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Therapy are interchangeable words used to describe experienced professional talking support that helps you navigate and make sense of your thoughts or when a life situation is becoming overwhelming. I tend to use the term ’therapy’ to describe what I do.
I recently read a quote which I think really sums up how beneficial therapy can be;
‘Something incredible happens when you open up to another human who you click with and who is trained to listen and support.’
So how will I work with you? I will accept you for who you are and try to see the world through your eyes. I will listen to you and be as genuine as I can, offering the time and space you need to find the answers you are looking for. I will not judge you, critique you, tell you what to do or who you should be. I will always meet you with unconditional positive regard, helping you to explore and navigate towards new insights and perspectives which can bring about a better way of relating to yourself, others or situations which you may find challenging.
No amount of words can ever truly describe who we are and, even though we share many experiences with others, our experience is uniquely our own. The way I work is flexible; I will always meet you as an individual, helping you to better understand yourself and find your own unique way of making the changes you wish to have in your life. We will work collaboratively to find a way that suits you, working at your pace to identify, explore and resolve the things that concern you or cause distress. Your wellness will always be my priority when we are working together.
I appreciate how difficult it can be to take the first steps towards seeking help or meeting a new therapist. Equally, I know just how important it is to feel comfortable with the person you choose as your therapist. A good way forward is an initial consultation which is an opportunity to meet, talk, ask questions and decide if I’m the right therapist for you. There is no obligation to book any further sessions unless it feels absolutely right and only you will make that decision.
About Me…
I am an experienced (jargon alert!) Integrative Counselling Psychotherapist working relationally (which basically means that I will meet you an individual and find the very best way to work with you). I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and follow a strict code of conduct and ethics. I have extensive experience of working therapeutically across a broad range of issues including relationship problems/difficulties, anxiety, stress, trauma and depression, problematic alcohol and substance/drug behaviour.
I have significant experience of working therapeutically with clients from the music, live events and other creative industries. At my Leeds practice my clients include the legal and business professions, creative industries, students, professional sports people…essentially; people from all walks of life!
I have considerable experience of working with students in university settings and along side my private practice, I am the lead counsellor/Wellbeing Officer at a university. I am experienced in working with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Asperger Syndrome and SEND diagnoses.
I believe an important aspect of therapy is the relationship which develops between the client and therapist- you and me- so it really doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, where you come from, what industry you work in; I am on your side, I will ‘have you back’ so we can develop a strong, therapeutic relationship in which we can work together to create the changes you’d like to make.
I am an accredited Mental Health First Aid (England) Instructor, a therapeutic service provider for the charities BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) and Music Support, and I sit on the Health and Welfare Advisory panel for the charity Help Musicians UK.
Prior to retraining as a therapist, I worked in the music and creative industries for over 20 years.
I really look forward to speaking and meeting with you soon.
