We all need quality, effective counseling at times. I consider it an honor to walk with people on their healing journey, whether that healing focuses on trauma, grief, sadness, anxiety, relationship troubles, shame, addiction, self-improvement, or a host of other problems. Whether your needs seem small or overwhelming, if you are thinking about counseling, congratulations! Every step requires courage, and I respect yours.

Therapeutic Approach

My approach to psychotherapy is integrative, drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapy, as well as positive, person-centered, family systems, and existential approaches. I look forward working with you to identify whatever approach you find most helpful. You do not have to know anything about the different types of therapy, though. You just need a willingness to engage in the therapeutic relationship. My goal is to help you identify what human flourishing means for you and help you find and use the tools you need to move into that flourishing.

Broad Experience

I have 12 years of clinical experience, which has ranged from working in crisis counseling, outpatient therapy, and private practice. In these various capacities I have worked with a wide array of needs and challenges. These include major mental health disorders such as major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. My work often attends to grief, trauma, anxiety, or addiction. I also find it rewarding to help clients with life dissatisfaction, relationship problems, career development, working toward specific life goals, gaining insight and self-awareness, or general feelings of unhappiness. 

Spiritually Integrative

I also have expertise in spiritually integrative psychotherapy. Religious faith can provide vital resources for healing, and it can contribute to emotional or relational difficulties. Communities of faith can be healing and traumatizing and complicated. I am committed to working with you in a way that respects your faith commitments (or lack thereof), including your convictions, doubts, and questions. As a Christian in a theologically progressive baptist tradition, I have found success working with many who come with goals or needs related specifically to their faith. I have found joy in working with those from a host of backgrounds, including Catholics and those of Muslim or Jewish faith, those from more conservative Christian traditions, as well as atheists and agnostics. My faith is vital to who I am and all that I do, and my faith supports my commitment to prioritize your needs and to center your perspective.

Systemic Awareness

Additionally, I am committed to critical awareness of how systemic inequities and aspects of personal identity such as gender, race, class, ability, and sexuality can affect one's sense of well-being and relationships, including the therapeutic relationship. As a white, cishet man, I strive to stand firmly and boldly as an ally to women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and to all members of historically marginalized or disempowered communities. To this end, I am committed to a life of critical self-examination and personal development in my knowledge and advocacy. You deserve nothing less!

Authenticity and Excellence

Above all, I bring my authentic self into every therapeutic relationship. You are the expert on yourself, and I bring my expertise alongside you in a genuine, supportive, caring relationship. My clients can count on me being authentic and non-judgmental, caring deeply, doing my homework, and showing up prepared. Whether you need someone for a brief emotional tune up, some fresh perspective and direction, or a longer-term approach to significant mental health challenges, I am honored to be part of your journey.

Contact Today

Whatever brings you to therapy, I look forward to connecting and building a healing relationship that develops the beauty and power of who you are and who you can be.

Warmly,

Matthew S. Beal