Laura Matthews, LCSW

In our first couple sessions we will spend time getting to know each other, I'll ask a bit about your background and what brings you to therapy now. We will work collaboratively to establish goals for our work together. My style is warm, compassionate and direct. Sessions are fairly open ended and my role will be to add some structure and help identify some themes as we sort through various topics. At times therapy can feel a little messy. Sessions can sometimes stir up uncomfortable feelings. I want to provide a warm, safe and empathetic space to explore feelings that often go unspoken.

My training and background is primarily psycho-dynamic. That means we will explore how early experience impact how you see yourself and relate to others. Often patterns and habits learned at an early age no longer serve us well in adulthood. Psychodynamic therapy help increase awareness about how and why we think and act the way we do and then more purposeful choose how you want to be in this world. I also incorporate principles and interventions from ACT therapy that focus on psychological flexibility, mindfulness, values and committed action.

• California, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 113197