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Psychotherapy for the stuck, the searching, and the sorting-it-out.

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Life has gotten… complex. The calendar’s full, the mind’s busier, and somehow “fine” never quite means fine. This is virtual psychotherapy for when you’re tired of powering through and ready to process, pause, and reconnect—with yourself, your values, your voice. It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about finally having space to feel it. Come as you are. Pajamas welcome.

You’ve been holding it together for a long time. From the outside, it probably looks like you’re doing just fine. You’re responsible, thoughtful, and people likely see you as someone who has it all together. But inside, it’s another story. You’re carrying a lot, and it’s starting to wear on you. Maybe you’ve been feeling stuck or restless. Maybe anxiety is making it hard to slow down, or you’re caught in a fog of low energy and self-doubt. You might be facing a big life transition or just quietly wondering how you ended up so far from the life you thought you were building. Things feel off, and the idea of figuring it out on your own is starting to feel impossible.

Therapy offers something different. A space that isn’t about managing appearances or pushing through. It’s a place where you can finally put down what you’ve been carrying, talk honestly about what’s not working, and begin to reconnect with yourself—not the version that’s trying to keep up, but the one underneath who’s still here, still wanting more.

I work with adults who are navigating overwhelm, life transitions, burnout, relationship struggles, questions of identity, or just that persistent feeling that something needs to change. Often, my clients are people who’ve always been capable and conscientious, but find themselves at a point where the usual ways of coping no longer work. Sometimes there’s a clear stressor—parenthood, a career shift, the end of a relationship. Other times, it’s more existential: a quiet ache, a sense of drifting, or the realization that they’ve been living on autopilot. Whatever brings you in, you don’t need to have all the words for it. We’ll figure it out together.

My approach blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with humanistic and existential perspectives. This means we won’t just focus on symptom relief, though that’s certainly part of it. We’ll also slow down and explore the patterns and stories that are shaping your life—often unconsciously. We’ll look at how you relate to difficult emotions and thoughts, and how you can begin to create more space between what shows up inside you and the actions you choose to take. And we’ll get curious about the deeper stuff, too: the values that matter most to you, the way you want to show up in your relationships, what a meaningful life actually looks like for you—not according to anyone else’s definition, but your own.

This work is practical and reflective, supportive and challenging. It can be structured and focused when that’s helpful, or spacious and exploratory when that’s what you need. Some people come in looking for tools to manage anxiety, navigate burnout, or feel more present in their daily lives. Others are craving a deeper reckoning with who they are and how they want to live. Often, it’s both.

And while I work with people of all genders, I have a particular interest in supporting men who are ready to show up more fully in their emotional lives. So many have been taught to suppress or sideline what they feel, to power through or keep things in. But those old rules often stop working—especially when life brings pain that can’t be ignored. I offer a space where emotional honesty is welcomed, not judged. Where connection and self-awareness aren’t signs of weakness, but signs that you’re paying attention.

At its core, therapy with me is about creating a relationship that helps you come home to yourself. It’s not about fixing who you are. It’s about being with yourself more honestly, making choices more intentionally, and living with more clarity, meaning, and depth. Wherever you’re starting from, and whatever your reasons for seeking support, I’ll meet you there—with warmth, presence, and a commitment to helping you find your way forward.

Our work together

Services

Life can be complex, uncertain, and overwhelming. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or major life transitions, therapy provides a space to explore, heal, and reconnect with what truly matters. I specialize in working with individual adults navigating:

  • Life Transitions & Existential Concerns – Change can unsettle our sense of meaning and direction. With openness and support, we can navigate uncertainty and move forward with clarity and purpose.

  • Anxiety & Depression – Worries and low moods can shape limiting self-beliefs. Together, we’ll build awareness, challenge unhelpful narratives, and develop lasting strategies for relief.

  • Stress Management – The demands of modern life can be overwhelming. I help clients slow down, reconnect with themselves, and develop tools to create greater balance and fulfillment.

  • Attuned Masculinity – Men are often taught to suppress emotions, yet life’s challenges make them impossible to ignore. I help men break free from limiting expectations and build deeper connections.

Experiential Approach

Therapy is more than solving problems—it’s about recognizing patterns, understanding emotions, and aligning your life with your values. My approach is grounded in warmth, authenticity, and deep respect for your unique journey.

Healing happens through genuine human connection. Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive change. From our first session, I create a space where you feel safe, understood, and empowered.

Some clients benefit from structured, short-term therapy with practical tools, while others seek long-term therapy for deeper exploration. I use Acceptance & Commitment Therapy to help clients build resilience and take meaningful action. A Humanistic and Existential perspective flows through my work with those navigating identity shifts, transitions, and questions of meaning.

Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about discovering new ways to relate to yourself, your emotions, and the world. Wherever you are in your journey, I will meet you with presence, curiosity, and a commitment to helping you move forward in a way that feels right.

About Matthew

I grew up in a therapy household—emotional fluency was our second language, and connection was kinda just … how we operated. From an early age, I was that kid who noticed when someone was hurting and wanted to help. By high school, I was deep into the writings of Carl Rogers and Irvin Yalom and already drawn to the kind of presence that real healing requires.

These days, I bring over 15 years of experience helping adults navigate life’s messy, meaningful middle—grappling with anxiety, burnout, transitions, identity shifts, low mood, and everything in between. I work with people who are thoughtful, reflective, and maybe a little overwhelmed by the chaos of modern life. My vibe is grounded, irreverent, creative, and deeply human. You won’t get a blank slate or therapy clichés here. You’ll get someone who shows up fully and cares deeply. I’m in it with you—curious, collaborative, and present.

I’m not here to “fix” you. I don’t think you’re broken. I believe therapy is about shifting your relationship to your pain, not eliminating it. My approach draws from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Humanistic-Existential traditions, with a strong belief in what Irvin Yalom called “the healing power of the relationship.” I don’t believe people are problems to be solved. I believe in slowing down, getting curious, and creating space for what matters. As someone with ADHD, a love for existential questions, and a very real stack of unread books next to my bed, I get how hard it can be to live intentionally in a distracted world.

If you’re looking for a therapist who can hold complexity without judgment—and maybe even make you laugh while doing it—I’d love to meet you. I’m licensed in Maryland and California and work with individual adults who want to live more aligned, intentional lives.

Feel free to explore more details about my professional background on my LinkedIn Profile.

Investment

I aim to offer therapy that’s both accessible and thoughtfully tailored to each person I work with. My fees reflect the time, training, and care I bring to our sessions—not just during the hour we spend together, but in the ongoing attention I give to your progress, planning, and growth. I know cost can be a barrier, and I’m committed to transparency so you can make informed choices about your care.

FEES

My current rate is $180 for each 50-minute individual session. 

I accept payments via credit/debit card. Payment is due at the time of each session. You will be expected to keep a current card on file via my secure Electronic Health Record.

I offer one free 15 minute phone consultation to give you an opportunity to hear about my services.

I know therapy can be a financial stretch for some, and I want to help where I can. I offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots based on financial need. If cost is a concern, feel free to reach out—we can talk about what might be possible.

Learn about your right to a Good Faith Estimate

INSURANCE

In-Network: I’m in-network with Aetna and Optum/United Healthcare (and their affiliates). I’ll handle claim submissions directly, and you’ll be responsible for any copays, deductibles, or coinsurance per your plan. You can check your coverage with your insurer, or wait for my billing service to confirm it for you.

Out-of-Network: If I’m not in-network with your insurance, you can still work with me using out-of-network benefits. Many PPO plans offer partial reimbursement for therapy. You’ll pay for sessions upfront, and I’ll provide a monthly invoice (called a “superbill”) that you can submit to your insurance. Coverage and reimbursement rates vary, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider to understand your out-of-network benefits.

Connect when you’re ready

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel like a big decision, but I’m here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions or are ready to begin, I’m happy to hear from you.

You can reach me through this contact form, or if you prefer, feel free to call or email directly. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and see if we’re a good fit.

I’m here to help you navigate life’s challenges and start your journey toward a more fulfilling life.

Contact Information:

Phone: 301-453-2527
Email: FISHLEDERMFT@GMAIL.COM
Location: Virtual with clients in Maryland and California