Matthew Cottam

Counsellor

Certified Counsellor at PhysioCentral

Matthew is the kind of counsellor who makes you feel at ease from the moment you walk in. At PhysioCentral, he’s all about creating a relaxed, welcoming space where people feel comfortable talking about what’s going on in their lives. Whether someone’s struggling with anxiety, dealing with depression, being stressed, or just feeling a bit lost, Matthew is there to help them make sense of things and find a path forward.

What’s on Your Mind?

• Do you ever feel like your thoughts are racing, and you just can’t seem to quiet them down?
• Are you finding it tough to get out of bed in the morning, even when everything seems fine to everyone else?
• Do you sometimes feel anxious or overwhelmed and aren’t sure why?
• Are you struggling to balance everything—work, school, relationships, even gaming—and it feels like something’s got to give?
• Do your thoughts keep returning to the same worries or fears, even when you try to focus on something else?

If any of this sounds familiar, Matthew’s here to help. He knows life can be overwhelming at times, and he works with people dealing with anxiety, depression, or just the everyday pressures of life. He aims to help you sort through these challenges and find a way to move forward that feels right for you.

How Matthew Can Help

Matthew’s approach is simple: he listens, understands, and works with his clients to figure out what’s getting in the way of living the life they want. He uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Person-Centred Therapy, but really, it’s all about having a conversation that helps people feel understood. His main focus is on helping older adolescents and adults work through life’s challenges, whether it’s managing tough emotions, figuring out personal values, or dealing with unwanted thoughts.

Coping with Pain, Injury, and Recovery

Dealing with pain or recovering from an injury can be mentally as well as physically challenging. Matthew supports individuals who are struggling with the emotional toll of chronic pain or adapting to life after an injury. He understands how pain and chronic stress can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even depression, and he works with clients to help them regain a sense of control and purpose.

Matthew collaborates with PhysioCentral’s physiotherapists and massage therapists, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive care. By working together, they can address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery, offering a more holistic approach to healing. When appropriate, Matthew’s counselling complements the physical treatments provided, helping clients manage the emotional stress that can arise from pain, injury, and chronic stress.

For many, an injury requires more than physical healing—it often brings significant lifestyle changes. From mobility limitations to shifting relationships, these adjustments can feel overwhelming. Matthew helps clients manage these changes, offering support as they adapt and helping them move forward confidently, even when faced with long-term challenges.

The recovery process itself can feel isolating and frustrating at times. Matthew works closely with clients, providing emotional support throughout their rehabilitation journey. He offers a space for clients to express their fears and frustrations, helping them stay mentally strong and maintain a positive outlook, even during the most difficult phases of recovery.

Matthew’s Special Interests

Anxiety and Depression

Do you often find yourself feeling anxious or low, even when everything seems fine on the surface? Matthew helps people lighten the load of anxiety and depression by teaching practical skills that can make life feel more manageable.

Unwanted Thoughts

Do your thoughts ever seem to get stuck on repeat, always going back to the same worries or fears? Matthew helps his clients break free from these patterns, guiding them to take control of their thoughts instead of letting them control their lives.

Supporting Adolescents and Adults Through Change

Whether it’s school, work, or family pressures, do you feel like life’s big changes are overwhelming you? Matthew works with teens and adults to navigate these transitions, helping them find their footing when things get tough.

His Approach

Matthew’s style is all about being real. He creates a space where clients can be themselves without pressure or judgment. Whether someone’s seeking help with anxiety, working through a tough time, or just needing a listening ear, Matthew is there to support them in whatever way feels right. He believes the best way forward is to focus on what matters most to each person, and he tailors every session to suit the individual.

A Part of the Community

Matthew also works part-time at Hopefield Counselling Services, reflecting his commitment to supporting the mental health of his community. He’s dedicated to helping people find their way through difficult times and believes that everyone deserves a chance to grow and thrive.

Availability

Matthew is available for counselling sessions at PhysioCentral on Mondays. If you’re looking for someone easy to talk to, who really gets it, and can help you work through life’s challenges, Matthew is here to help.

To book an appointment with Matthew, Click here

 

---