Grow Therapy Home
Matthew Wettlaufer, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Matthew Wettlaufer

Matthew Wettlaufer

LMFT
4 years of experience
Virtual

My approach to therapy is aligned with problem-solving--I find my work mirrors an intensive form of life coaching, informed with clinical experience and training. I am drawn to working with clients who are seeking someone who can accompany them as they figure out what their life aspirations are and what steps are necessary to achieving them. This could entail talk therapy, journaling, using cognitive or mindfulness exercises to help diminish anxiety or depressive issues, or perhaps art therapy interventions and suggestions, dependent on what resonates most with the client. This could also end up being an adjunct to 12 step program work and my support of the client in pursuing an inventory process to "clear house" and find freedom. I am here to support you in your process, however that unfolds. I like problem-solving. I am a gay man, with a husband and son; I'm 33 years sober and have 20 years of experience working in the visual arts, plus a doctorate in philosophy.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first session involves some business issues such as reviewing the limits of confidentiality, discussion of the risks and benefits of therapy, etc. Once the business part is done, I get the opportunity to find out what brings you to therapy and we can start to talk about what your goals are for treatment.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Compassion, life experience, good listening skills, problem-solving, connecting the dots in a client's story, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. I try very hard to meet the client where they are.

About Matthew Wettlaufer

Identifies as

Specializes in

Self Esteem
Spirituality
AddictionAnxietyChild or AdolescentGriefLGBTQ

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

My focus in therapy is problem-solving and solution-focused. I am drawn to working with clients who are seeking life-coaching, resolving adjustment disorders and life transition, mild to moderate anxiety and depression, existentialist anguish and questions around meaning and spirituality. Addressing the road blocks to self-acceptance and self-fulfillment involve a two-pronged approach: one focusing on childhood issues around attachment and loss, another approach focusing on the here and now issues that can be resolved through goal setting, imagining what life would be like without the problem, and accompanying the client as she or he takes the steps necessary to achieve those goals. All along the way I would be your cheerleader, providing a safe and productive space in which to express and process your doubts, fears, anxieties, and hopes.

Experiential Therapy

My use of experiential therapy is in the realm of art therapy--I have 20 years of experience working in the visual arts and have found that many art therapy interventions are highly effective in helping clients problem-solve and move forward through obstacles. Art therapy work helps clients connect the dots on what the issue is that is blocking them from a joyous life.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Many of my clients reach a point in their lives where the patterns of behavior they've learned in childhood no longer work for them as adults. This often includes codependency, among other self-defeating behaviors. Adults who were victimized as children by their care givers and others often wind up victimizing themselves through toxic relationships, dead-end and soul-destroying jobs, missed opportunities to achieve their dreams, and an overall sense of unfulfillment. Doing inner child and family of origin work, which is an aspect of internal family systems psychology, can help clients resolve issues from the past so that they can be present for their lives today and move forward to a place of life-contentment.