Laura Matthews
Are you feeling stuck or unmotivated? Does every decision feel overwhelming to you? Feeling lonely or isolated? In these modern and disconnected times it’s not uncommon to feel… just not right even in the absence of a major life stressor. Many people enter therapy when it’s hard to even put a finger on what’s wrong but you know you haven’t been feeling right. I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, depression, adjusting to life transitions or new medical diagnosis. I approach therapy with compassion, curiosity & warmth. I believe that through exploration comes greater understanding of ourselves & others. With this new perspective, we can choose how to react more purposefully to life’s challenges. I understand people and their problems using a psychodynamic lens. I incorporate principles from ACT & Gestalt Therapy. I’m interested in working with people navigating new experiences, roles, dynamics or medical diagnoses. I am excited about working with curious, insightful folks who are motivated to do this work… even when it’s challenging.
First session
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.
Strengths
Sometimes life can deal you a challenging hand- a cancer diagnosis, an injury with a complicated recovery, infertility, loss of a loved one. These events can floor people and turn their lives upside down. Often people put a lot of time and energy fighting against these undesired realities. In these situations I do see a lot of hope and opportunity. There is grief work to be done, to mourn and accept this unfortunate hand. I believe space needs to be made to honor the losses. There is also room to learn to live meaningfully despite limitations, challenges and loss. I work to help people process these changes and work on building a meaningful and beautiful life in the face of real challenges.
Ideal clients
Oncology patients (newly diagnosed, advanced/terminal illness, survivorship, spouses/caregivers, adult children supporting someone with cancer). Chronic pain- chronic back pain, MVA, fibromyalgia- both helping people learn to adjust to a chronic condition and learn skills to help people improve functioning. New parents, PPD, PPA, parenting a kid with cognitive or physical disability.
Location
In-person sessions6239 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618, Suite 303