Matt Pennell

Clinical Psychologist

Matt is a clinical psychologist, psychedelic researcher, father of two, and lover of steel framed bicycles.

In his private practice, he employs a relational, non-pathologising, and attachment-informed approach, drawing on modalities such as AEDP, parts work, and person-centred psychotherapy. His therapeutic approach holds deep respect for the wisdom of the body and emotions, moving beyond a purely cognitive focus.

He is currently working on a PhD as part of a Southern Cross University clinical trial investigating MDMA-assisted group therapy for disaster-related PTSD. His research centres on psychedelic-assisted therapist (PAT) training, the role of innovative training methods such as therapists’ reflective self-experience of non-ordinary states during training, and the link between therapists’ relational capacity, therapeutic alliance, and participant outcomes.

Matt trained as a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist as part of the Monash University MDMA for PTSD clinical trial, during which he completed the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) PAT training program. He has a keen interest in the work of Stanislav Grof and is currently training in the Holotropic/Transpersonal Psychology paradigm.