Lance Matthewson
Hello, I'm Lance. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and patterns that may no longer serve them. At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy offers an opportunity to connect more deeply with ourselves, our relationships, and the communities that shape our lives. As we develop a better understanding of ourselves and learn to approach our experiences with greater compassion, we can begin to build healthier, more meaningful connections with others. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience in school and outpatient settings. My approach is person-centered and integrative, drawing from different therapeutic perspectives to meet each person's needs. I incorporate experiential and interactive approaches that recognize the connection between mind and body, while considering how our past experiences, present circumstances, and hopes for the future shape who we are. My goal is to help people gain insight, develop practical tools, and move beyond simply getting by toward living more connected and fulfilling lives.
Strengths
My approach is flexible, thoughtful, and grounded in the understanding that each person brings a different set of experiences, strengths, and challenges to therapy. With nearly 20 years of experience across school and clinical settings, I've learned to draw from different therapeutic approaches rather than rely on a single method. I pay attention to the individual and the needs of the moment, whether that means listening and allowing space for reflection, exploring the influence of past experiences, or actively challenging patterns and considering new ways of approaching a situation. I value honesty, curiosity, and the ability to look at ourselves from different perspectives. I believe effective therapy requires both understanding where we have been and identifying where we want to go.
Origin story
My path to becoming a therapist began while working with children as a physical education teacher. I became interested in how our experiences influence emotional regulation, behavior, relationships, and the ways we understand ourselves. Working with children and adolescents facing difficult circumstances opened my eyes to the importance of looking beyond behavior and understanding the experiences underneath it. My own life journey, including its challenges and lessons, also shaped my desire to better understand people and the many paths we take through life. These experiences eventually led me to pursue social work and a deeper commitment to helping others navigate their own challenges, develop greater self-understanding, and find more peace and connection in their lives.