Ages:

• Children (12+)
• Adolescents (13-17)
• Adults (18+)

 

About Matthew:

Matthew, fluent in Spanish, is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. He brings a wealth of personal experience to his practice, having navigated the complexities of a dysfunctional family environment himself. This background has equipped him with a deep empathy and understanding of the struggles that individuals and families face, fueling his passion for helping others achieve mental well-being.

Matthew’s own journey through coping, growth, and personal evolution has not only shaped his professional path but also deepened his commitment to supporting others in their healing processes. He understands firsthand the importance of resilience and the transformative power of therapy, which drives his compassionate and client-centered approach.

In addition to his personal and professional experiences in mental health, Matthew’s background as a United States Marine Corps veteran adds another layer of expertise to his practice. Having served his country, he possesses a profound understanding of military culture and the unique challenges that veterans encounter as they transition to civilian life. His military experience allows him to connect with veteran clients on a meaningful level, offering insights and support that are both informed and empathetic.

Matthew’s dual expertise in mental health therapy and military life positions him as a valuable resource for individuals seeking guidance and support. His commitment to helping others, coupled with his diverse background, enables him to address a wide range of issues with sensitivity and effectiveness. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, Matthew is dedicated to fostering growth, healing, and resilience in those he serves.

Education:

Matthew earned his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX, in December 2011. Prior to this, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Greek and Hebrew from the same institution in May 2008.

To further expand his expertise and better serve a diverse clientele, Matthew has since completed additional courses and training. This continuous professional development ensures he remains well-equipped to address a broad range of issues and provide high-quality, culturally competent care to his clients.

Experience:

Matthew has acquired extensive experience working in a wide variety of settings, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of mental health and counseling. His career began in juvenile detention centers, where he worked closely with at-risk youth, helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence within a correctional environment. This initial experience provided him with a deep understanding of the unique psychological needs of young people in crisis.

He then expanded his expertise by working in behavioral health hospitals that serve both adult and adolescent populations. In these settings, Matthew dealt with a range of mental health issues, from severe psychiatric disorders to more common emotional and behavioral problems. This experience allowed him to develop a nuanced approach to treatment, tailored to meet the specific needs of different age groups and mental health conditions.

Matthew also spent significant time in both outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, where he helped individuals struggling with addiction. Here, he gained valuable insights into the complexities of substance abuse, including the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to addiction. His work in these facilities emphasized the importance of holistic, client-centered care in the recovery process.

In addition to these roles, Matthew worked with a major mental health service provider in Houston, Texas. This position allowed him to refine his skills further and gain experience in a high-demand, urban environment. His work in Houston encompassed a broad spectrum of mental health issues, enhancing his ability to manage diverse and complex cases.

Beyond his work in traditional mental health settings, Matthew has developed specialized expertise in several key areas. He is proficient in faith-based and spiritual counseling, integrating clients’ spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic process to promote healing and growth. His knowledge of inner healing modalities enables him to address deep-seated emotional wounds, facilitating profound personal transformation.

Matthew is also skilled in purpose discovery, helping clients identify and pursue their life goals and aspirations. He is adept at resolving regrets and traumas, guiding individuals through the process of healing past wounds to achieve a more fulfilling and balanced life. Furthermore, his expertise in family and couples therapy allows him to support clients in building healthier, more resilient relationships.

Through his diverse experiences and specialized knowledge, Matthew offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental health care, dedicated to meeting the unique needs of each client he serves.

Focus Areas:

• Depression
• Finding Purpose
• Bipolar Disorder
• Healing Misunderstandings
• Improving Communication
• Establishing a Healthy and Balanced Life
• Resolving Regret and Trauma

 

Modalities:

• Solution Focused Therapy (individual and couples).
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Structural Family Therapy
• Person Centered Therapy
• Faith Based and Spiritual Counseling