Psychotherapy

Stigma surrounding mental health has decreased greatly in recent years, but many people still believe that you need to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from therapy. This is not the case! Therapy is an investment in yourself and your life. There doesn't need to be a major life transition to warrant therapy. Come on in as you are!

Matthew believes wholeheartedly that the best approach to therapy is a collaborative one in which we work together to find the methods that will best work for you. He uses a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy to help you live in the "here and now" while also exploring how past events may be affecting you in the present. Depending on your goals, he may also incorporate spirituality and other psychotherapeutic methods as clinically warranted per your request.

Matthew specializes in the following concerns:

Adjustment to Disability
Anxiety Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
LGBTQ+ Concerns
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Visual Impairment and Blindness

Adults

Matthew is experienced working with adults across the lifespan that struggle with neurodivergence, anxiety, LGBTQ+ concerns, OCD, PTSD, and life with a disability. Matthew's approach with adults is person-centered and focuses on empowering you with the tools and strategies that you may need to navigate your concerns as well as processing any past traumas or events that you feel are relevant. Matthew has found that he connects best with teenagers and young adults, but all are welcome.

Teenagers & Children
Matthew's approach to working with children and teenagers is person centered and focused on empowerment as he does with adults. Matthew is experienced working with children and teenagers struggling with neurodivergence, bullying, acceptance of a disability, LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, OCD, and trauma. Additionally, he can also assist with navigating the IEP/504 process and help brainstorm accommodations that may be helpful within the school setting.

What Can I Expect in Therapy?
At your first session, your intake paperwork will be reviewed, and you will be encouraged to ask any questions you may have. Matthew will follow your pace, so you don’t feel rushed. You can expect that plenty of time with be devoted to building rapport and creating a safe space tailored to your needs and goals. You can share what influenced your choice to begin therapy and what you hope you accomplish through this collaboration. Matthew will ask follow-up questions and make plans for future sessions.

After this initial session, the path forward is yours to set. While Matthew will guide things in a specific direction if he feels that it's pivotal that we work on a specific concern or something needs to be addressed, you will be the one bringing whatever it is you need to therapy. Matthew fully believes that therapy should be organic and natural, so we may laugh, we may discuss whatever movie you saw the day, etc. It's all about what you need and what will most benefit you. In short, Matthew's approach to therapy is one in which you can be relaxed and, most importantly, be yourself.

Where Will We Have Session?

Sessions will occur via Telehealth using Simple Practice, which is a HIPAA compliant Telehealth platform or Matthew's Fredericksburg, VA office.