Matthew Neufeld
Counsellor & Relational Coach
Matthew is a highly adept and trusted counsellor, backed by diverse experience and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of each client.
In his counselling and coaching, Matthew believes in the power of listening. He aims to give every client the experience of being truly heard, in a nonjudgemental space. Creating this environment has proven to be the most effective tool of psychotherapy.
A counselling diploma graduate from the Australian College of Applied Psychology in Sydney, Matthew is influenced by theories about discovering the unconscious and exploring the scripts we all live by. His understanding of human attachment and the research of Bowlby and Ainsworth are of particular influence in his thinking. He is also passionate about exploring the theories which explain the tensions in our lives being constructive tools of guidance when we face our fears. Matthew’s own style of therapy is influences specifically by Existential, Gestalt and Radical Acceptance theories.
Matthew’s own life experience of 25 years living in the Middle East, as an American man with his Australian wife, has helped him appreciate culture and language and the way it impacts communication and relationship. This was the beginning of his Relational Coaching career.
Matthew subscribes to Dr. David Ferguson’s conceptualisation of Intimacy Therapy. This theory defines intimacy as ‘knowing and being known for the purpose of mutual care’ and underpins all of Matthew’s own work. He has been practicing Intimacy Therapy since 2006 under continued training and personal coaching by Dr. Ferguson.
Matthew loves getting to know his clients and values transparency. He believes that counselling is a profession that should have no biases or agendas. To practice this, Matthew is up front with my own values as I endeavour to respect my clients and their values.
“Being a follower of Jesus is of the utmost importance to me. This shapes who I am and how I see the world around me. I believe that Jesus was an example in being completely present to those he met. His acceptance of the individual without judgement was one of the ways he confronted people with themselves, helping them to discover truth for themselves. ”