Colin Mathews
We are disconnected - from each other, from the world, and from ourselves. Humans suffer profoundly when they can’t connect. Using Existential Therapy as a framework, I help clients navigate challenges regarding isolation, purpose, choice, and death in order to reconnect in healthy ways. A therapist acts as a mirror, not giving advice but helping you see yourself clearly and encouraging the self-respect that fuels healthy relationships. Provided the fit is good, trust is established, and you are motivated for change, therapy can be an excellent starting point for building the life you desire. I practice primarily with individual adults but also groups. I also work with high-functioning teens who are motivated for change. Virtual sessions upon request, in-person strongly recommended.
First session
A clear understanding of who I am and how I work, an honest assessment of how I can help, and referral assistance if the fit doesn't seem quite right.
Strengths
Wisdom gained through personal struggle gives me an ability to listen and truly hear. Experience with clients from all walks of life, from inmates to executives, gives me a broad understanding of how the world works (and how it doesn't). A firm belief that you are the foremost expert on yourself - and the ultimate author of your solutions - keeps me curious, avoiding assumptions and asking for clarity at every step.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with anyone who is genuinely motivated for change. I work with clients affected by trauma, grief and loss, life changes, and a variety of mental health symptoms and diagnoses; all are seeking more contentment, more connection, more purpose, and less struggle. I have an affinity for work with trauma and PTSD, sleep disorders including insomnia, anger issues including mood disorders, and substance use disorders. I've helped both veterans and the previously-incarcerated reintegrate into society.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Those seeking therapy are confronted by an alphabet soup of therapeutic methods which can make the process overwhelming. Existential Therapy, which shares its lineage and tradition with person-centered therapy, prioritizes a strong therapist-client connection above all and rejects rigid categorization and one-size-fits-all interventions. Incorporating many different approaches as appropriate, Existential Therapy helps clients successfully navigate struggles with isolation, purpose, death, and choice. Operating from within the Existential framework, some of the methods I use include: - CBT-i (a treatment for resolving insomnia without medication) - CPT (a treatment for PTSD created by the U.S. Veterans Administration) - Motivational Interviewing (a realistic method for helping people with substance abuse that avoids shame and blame) - CBT (helps address the mismatch between thoughts, emotions, and behavior) - Mindfulness (uses the 5 senses to short-circuit anxiety and redirect body and mind to the present moment) - Psychodynamic therapy (exploring how past experiences affect current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) - SFBT (solution-focused brief therapy: 4-8 sessions focused on actionable solutions)
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1055 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Identifies as
Man
Top specialties
Anxiety
Loneliness / Isolation
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Addiction / Substance Use
Anger Management
Bipolar Disorder
Burnout
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Grief
Insomnia/Sleep Issues
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Individual Therapy
Man
Non-binary
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Transgender
Woman
Licensed in
GeorgiaLicense CSW006773