Dr Mattia Monastra
Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist
(BSc, DClinPsy, CPsychol, SRCN)
About
I am an HCPC registered (PYL36425) Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) in Frenchay. Alongside this, I am the Deputy Clinical Director for the Neuropsychology programmes at the University of Bristol, where I’m involved in teaching and research.In my private practice I work as an Associate for Totus Neurorehabilitation and take on private clients for therapy and neuropsychological assessment.
I take a person-centred, flexible, and passionate approach to my work, drawing on a range of psychological models to support people in coping with the impact of neurological and health conditions. These include Existential Therapy, Metacognitive Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which I adapt to each individual’s needs and experiences.Outside of work, I have a deep love for stories—mostly experienced through reading and gaming. I also enjoy being in nature, particularly hiking, trail running, and diving. I love to travel and speak three languages: Italian, Spanish, and English.
Qualifications
SRCN (2023)
Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists
DClinPsy (2018)
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
BSc (2012)
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Therapy
As a Trauma Neuropsychologist, I work with people who have experienced trauma in their life, supporting adjustment and coping with the effects of the resulting neurological and health conditions they experience. I have specialised in brain injury and physical trauma rehabilitation and helped clients to make sense of what have happened to them and how to be able to meet the values they are no longer able to reach. People who experience anxiety and depression following trauma often get stuck, do not recognise themselves and become unable to find meaning in a life that feels lost to them. A new path needs to be found.I am a Consultant Neuropsychologist experienced in neuropsychological assessment, rehabilitation and therapy. I draw on a range of models, including existential therapy and trauma cognitive behavioural therapy. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practice from neuroscience research and traditional insights coming from philosophy and literatureWe are born in an inherently meaningless world. We slowly learn how to go about it. Then, suddenly, to some, something happens. And that little sense we thought we grasped about our life, disappear. Now there is a choice. Dreaming of a past life, always out of reach. Or letting go and move forward. I am here to help you find meaning, good luck on the path.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a highly trained mental health professional who supports people with a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and psychological difficulties. We are trained to help with challenges such as anxiety, low mood, trauma, adjustment to health conditions, or relationship issues, using evidence-based therapies. Clinical Psychologists do not prescribe medication, but instead focus on psychological understanding and tailored therapeutic support.To become a Clinical Psychologist in the UK, you must complete a doctoral-level qualification (DClinPsy), which involves extensive academic training, supervised clinical placements across different NHS services, and research. We are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring we meet professional and ethical standards.
What is a Neuropsychologist?
A Neuropsychologist is a Clinical Psychologist who has completed additional specialist training in the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural changes related to brain function, and is on the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN). While Clinical Psychologists are trained to support a broad range of mental health difficulties, Neuropsychologists focus specifically on how conditions such as brain injury, stroke, dementia, or neurological illness affect thinking skills like memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. We are trained to complete diagnostic assessments and interpret these results to inform recommendations. As someone trained in both clinical and neuropsychology, I bring an integrated approach that supports both emotional wellbeing and cognitive health.
How is this Different from a Counsellor or Therapist?
While there is overlap between Clinical Psychologists, counsellors, and therapists, the main difference lies in the level and breadth of training. Clinical Psychologists in the UK complete a doctoral degree (DClinPsy), which includes in-depth training in multiple evidence-based therapies, psychological assessment, diagnosis, and research. This allows us to work with a wide range of complex mental health presentations across the lifespan. Counsellors and therapists may be highly skilled and experienced but typically train in one or two therapeutic models and may not have the same level of clinical or academic training. All play a valuable role in mental health support — the right fit often depends on your needs and preferences.
What can i support with?
I have extensive experience working with individuals affected by trauma, health-related psychological difficulties, and neuropsychological needs, but can also support a variety of difficulties.Some of the areas I commonly work with include:
Psychological impact of trauma or injury (including road traffic accidents, assaults, and hospital stays)
Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and adjustment difficulties
Identity changes following illness, injury, or neurological conditions
Anxiety, panic, and stress-related difficulties
Low mood, depression, or loss of motivation
Emotional regulation and managing overwhelming feelings
Coping with chronic illness, persistent pain, or fatigue
Health anxiety and fears about recurrence or deterioration
Bereavement, loss, or anticipatory grief
Cognitive changes such as difficulties with memory, attention, or processing speed
Neuropsychological assessment to explore thinking skills (e.g. attention, memory, executive function)
Mental capacity assessments for decision-making (e.g. healthcare, finances, residence)
Medico-legal assessment and opinion (e.g. following traumatic injury or accident-related claims)
Supporting recovery, adjustment, and self-compassion after injury or diagnosis
Stress, burnout, and difficulties balancing work, life, or caring roles
I cannot offer assessments for ADHD or Autism.
FAQ's
Do I need a referral from my GP or another professional? No. You can contact me directly — there’s no need for a referral.
What does a typical session involve? Sessions last 60 minutes and provide a confidential space to explore what’s going on for you. We’ll use the time to understand your experiences and work together on ways forward using evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs.
How much do sessions cost? I offer a free 15 minute consultation for us to explore how i might be able to support you. All subsequent sessions (60 mins) are ÂŁ140 and must be paid in advance.
Do you offer online or in-person sessions? Sessions are currently delivered online via secure video call (Microsoft Teams). This allows flexibility and accessibility from your own space. In-person sessions may be available in future.
How long will therapy take? It varies person to person. Some individuals benefit from a small number of sessions (6–12), while others prefer longer-term support. My preference is to work in a focussed way and we review progress together and make sure therapy continues to meet your needs.
What types of therapy do you offer? I use a range of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and trauma-informed models. We’ll decide together what’s most suitable.
Are you taking on new clients? I currently offer a small number of therapy spaces alongside my NHS role. Availability is limited, but you’re welcome to get in touch to check or join a short waiting list.
What if I’m not sure therapy is right for me? That’s okay. You’re welcome to book an initial consultation without pressure to continue. I can also signpost to other services if needed.
Do you offer reports or letters? I do not currently provide medico-legal reports or letters for housing, benefits, or court purposes. I can offer brief therapy summaries on request.
Is what I share confidential? Yes — your information is treated with the utmost confidentiality and handled in line with GDPR and HCPC professional standards. There are rare exceptions (e.g. if there’s a risk of serious harm), which I’ll discuss with you at the outset.
If you’re unsure whether I am the right fit for you, feel free to get in touch. I’m happy to talk it through and can recommend alternative options if another service might be more suitable.
Qualifications
SRCN (2023)
Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists
DClinPsy (2018)
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
BSc (2012)
Batchelor of Psychology
Research
My research centres around the intersection of cognitive function, adjustment and recovery following injury or neurological illness. I have explored how individuals engage with and benefit from rehabilitation services. In “Exploring predictors of first appointment attendance at a pain management service” (2020) we investigated factors influencing whether people attend their initial pain‑management appointment.More recently my work includes the qualitative service evaluation “Perspectives of a newly developed UK major trauma and plastics psychology service: A qualitative service evaluation” (2025), which examined how a specialist psychological service supports patients and clinicians in a major trauma setting.These projects reflect my broader interest in bridging neuropsychological assessment and therapeutic intervention, investigating how cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes interrelate and how we can best support meaningful recovery.
The use of a smartwatch as a prompting device for people with acquired brain injury: a single case experimental design study (2019)
Exploring predictors of first appointment attendance at a pain management service (2020)
Perspectives of a newly developed UK major trauma and plastics psychology service: A qualitative service evaluation (2025)
PRIVACY POLICY
Last updated: August 2025This privacy policy outlines how I (Dr Mattia Monastra), collect, use, and protect your personal information in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.By contacting me or engaging in therapy, you agree to the terms outlined below:
Who I Am: I am a Clinical Neuropsychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), providing psychological therapy and neuropsychological services in private practice. I act as the sole data controller for any personal information you choose to share. If you have questions about how your data is handled, you are welcome to get in touch via the contact page.
What Information I Collect and Why: When you make an enquiry or begin therapy, I may collect and process the following personal data: Contact information: such as your name, email address, and telephone number; Personal background: including age, gender, GP details, and relevant medical or psychological history; Clinical records: such as assessment outcomes, therapy notes, and treatment plans; Administrative records: like invoices, payment information, and appointment history. This information is used to; Support the delivery of effective and safe psychological care; Communicate with you about appointments and relevant matters; Keep accurate and up-to-date clinical records; Meet legal, professional, and regulatory responsibilities.
Sharing Information: Your privacy is taken seriously. I will only disclose your information in the following situations; With your clear consent (for example, when communicating with your GP); When legally obligated to do so (e.g., by court order); If there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or others; If required by my professional indemnity provider or legal team in case of a formal complaint or claim. I participate in clinical supervision with a qualified Clinical Psychologist / Neuropsychologist as part of maintaining good practice. Any client information shared in this context is fully anonymised.
How Your Data is Stored: All personal information is stored using secure, encrypted systems. This includes; A confidential email system that meets UK data protection regulations; Encrypted cloud-based storage for therapy notes and related documentation; A secure digital calendar used for managing appointments. Access to your personal data is restricted to me alone. In exceptional situations, data may be shared (see below), but only with your knowledge unless legally or ethically required.
How Long I Keep Your Data: In line with HCPC and other relevant professional guidelines, your records will be retained for; 7 years from the end of therapy, or Until age 25, for clients seen as children (whichever is longer). After this period, your data will be securely deleted or destroyed.
Your Rights: Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), you have the following rights regarding your personal data; To request access to the data I hold about you; To ask for incorrect data to be amended; To request deletion of your information (under certain conditions); To object to or restrict specific forms of processing; To file a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). More information can be found at: [www.ico.org.uk]
7. Updates to This Policy: This privacy policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in practice or regulations. Any major updates will be highlighted on this website.
If you have any questions or concerns about the way your personal data is managed, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information with the utmost care and respect.
Contact
Currently I am only taking on a small number of private clients so do not have a booking system on my website. If you are interested in therapy then please read the section here and get in touch via the form below.If you have non-therapy related query then please include non-therapy related in the subject your message.