“Helping others is one of the highest aspirations of the human heart. I believe this is especially true when supporting someone during their most difficult or vulnerable moments. I feel this is part of my purpose in life; something I’ve been entrusted with through my own personal struggles and winding path which has led me to my work as a therapist. I see therapy as a partnership, where clients are supported in finding their voice and learning to express it openly. In this process, I aim to create a space where my clients can begin to let go of pain and confusion in an environment grounded in compassion, listening and understanding.”
Mathew believes in fostering a calm and nurturing therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to share openly and freely. He takes a flexible approach to each session, adapting to the client’s personality, communication style and emotional needs. Humor and casual conversation are welcome, and emotional expression in all its forms is encouraged. Sessions typically begin with a check-in on how the week has gone or any experiences since the last session. Mathew sees emotional impact as a key indicator of what matters in therapy—if something has affected a person emotionally, it’s worth exploring.
Mathew uses a cognitive-behavioral therapy model along with supportive psychotherapy and mindfulness-based relaxation techniques. For individuals engaged in substance use counseling or working through other addictive behaviors, he often incorporates relapse prevention strategies and 12-step facilitation. Mathew is also open to including spiritual discussions in therapy when that is important to the client.
Mathew is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). He has been practicing as an outpatient therapist since 2012, and has worked in the mental health field since 2008. He earned both his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Mathew continues to participate in weekly consultation meetings and ongoing training to further strengthen his understanding of therapeutic approaches and clinical practice.
