I am drawn to working with clients who are dealing with adjustment issues: life transitions, changes, and loss, at any stage of life. I also work with clients dealing with mild to moderate depression and anxiety, existentialist questions over life purpose and meaning, LGBTQ and POC experiences around discrimination and trauma, the interest in developing a positive and personal spirituality, and as an adjunct support in fostering abstinence around substance use issues (therapy does not replace 12 step work, but it can be a powerful form of support for individuals in recovery). I have also worked a lot with clients grappling with codependency, setting boundaries, and developing self-esteem. I like to take an eclectic approach that uses solution-focused and CBT therapy for present day situations, psychodynamic theory for past childhood losses and trauma, and art therapy for exercises in between therapy appointments that can be processed in session. 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. I used to play hockey and love hiking (I am open to clients who might like to try ecotherapy interventions). Spiritually I am more or less a "spiritual existentialist" who attends Quaker meetings and loves the beauty of the Catholic rosary and Buddhist mantras. I was also trained as a classical pianist and love Bach, Hindemith, Mahler, Copland, and Carl Nielsen.
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
Specializes in
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Experiential Therapy
Psychodynamic
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
On average, United Medical Resources clients pay $0-$86
For a personalized estimate, verify your insurance when you book a session.
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