Matthew Leavesley

Matthew Leavesley is a Lecturer in Counselling & Psychotherapy at Keele University's School of Medicine. He holds dual roles as a High Intensity Therapist and Clinical Supervisor in the NHS, alongside teaching on the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy programme. His research focuses on government policies affecting young people in education and mental wellbeing improvement, employing mixed methods including Q Methodology and autoethnography. Previously, he collaborated on an EU-funded Erasmus+ project in Bhutan to enhance mental wellbeing in higher education. He is a BACP-accredited counsellor and EMDR practitioner with 20 years of experience across private, public, and third-sector roles.

Education and Professional Background: Matthew's career began in hospice and rape crisis services, evolving into NHS and academic roles. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree examining policy impacts on youth education. His prior research included work at the University of Birmingham on international mental health initiatives.

Research Interests: Matthew specializes in mental health, policy analysis, and mixed-methods research. He explores subjective viewpoints through Q Methodology and autoethnography, aiming to bridge quantitative and qualitative data. His work highlights the intersection of healthcare systems, policy, and individual well-being.

Teaching and Professional Roles: He teaches modules like Research Methods and Dissertation, emphasizing personal and professional development in clinical practice. His NHS roles involve direct therapeutic work and clinical supervision, reflecting his commitment to practitioner education.

Labs and Collaborations: Key projects include the Bhutanese Erasmus+ initiative and ongoing NHS collaborations. His interdisciplinary approach integrates academic research with real-world clinical challenges, fostering practical solutions for mental health systems.