About Matthew

I’ve always been drawn to human connection and the presence real healing requires. Even as a child, I noticed when people were struggling and felt compelled to help. By fourth grade, I was guiding peers through conflicts using non-violent communication. In high school, I discovered the work of Carl Rogers and Irvin Yalom — something clicked. Their writing gave language to what I had already sensed: that meaningful change happens through genuine human encounter and depth of understanding. This became the foundation of my work as a licensed marriage and family therapist.

I have spent more than fifteen years working in mental health across hospitals, community programs, early childhood settings, and private practice in both California and Maryland. Along the way, I have held clinical and leadership roles, built and refined programs, and supported individuals and families navigating significant stress and transition. Over time, I felt increasingly drawn to the depth of one to one work. Private practice allows me to slow down and engage thoughtfully, without the urgency that often surrounds larger systems, in providing psychotherapy for adults, supporting those experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions

Clients often describe me as calm and steady. I listen closely and offer reflections that help clarify patterns without overwhelming the process. When things feel tangled or repetitive, I slow them down and look at them from a slightly different angle. I’m thoughtful about how and when to challenge, and I aim to do so in a way that feels respectful rather than forceful. I value honest conversation and creating a space that feels grounded, safe, and steady enough for real exploration.

Outside of my work, I am a parent, a lifelong musician, and an avid reader and writer of fiction. Parenting keeps me grounded in the realities of growth, frustration, repair, and joy. Music has shaped how I listen and trust rhythm over urgency. Storytelling has been a steady thread in my life since childhood. The experience of being absorbed in a story, sensing its patterns and subtle turns, continues to influence how I think and pay attention. Whether in novels, short stories, or the narratives people bring into the therapy room, I remain drawn to the way meaning unfolds over time.

I’m licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and California. If you’re looking for a calm, thoughtful, and person-centered therapist to support you through anxiety, depression, or life transitions, it would be a privilege to work with you. Schedule a free consultation or learn more about my approach.

For more about my professional background, you can visit my LinkedIn Profile.