About Matt

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Colorado. Since I was little, I’ve found myself always wanting to help anyone and pursued that in a variety of settings. First as an EMT working on an ambulance and at a university health center. I found out during those years many people can put on a bandaid but it takes a special person to heal the mind for those who were having mental health emergencies.

I completed my Bachelors in Psychology at Biola University, and completed my MSW (Masters in Social Work) at Colorado State University.

I’ve had experience in a wide range of behavioral settings including group homes, in-home behavioral therapy, and emergency response services. I’ve spent 8 years in education in a variety of roles including school counselor, special education social worker, and district wide social worker working on substance use classes and suicide prevention. My expertise in the school system allow me to be a great resource to advocate and support by targeting the systems that your child needs to be successful.

I’ve worked as a therapist for the last 4 years working with people from all background a variety of issues. During that time of seeing everyone and everything I decided to seek out specialized training in areas I was passionate about. This led me to create my own practice, Redwood Heart Counseling. I am dedicated to supporting individuals who find themselves stuck in life knowing that there is so much more potential locked inside of them. My hope is to support and lead people to their best life with a touch of humor and warmth.


My Approach

I provide a warm, caring environment with a touch of humor so that you can be yourself with me. I build deep connections quickly and work hard to develop a trusting relationship to work on the things that matter. 

Along with common counseling methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy(SFT) and Motivational interviewing (MI), I’ve completed intensive training in counseling approaches that I use regularly, including:

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Response (EMDR)

ADHD-CCSP - clinical specialist in ADHD

 My Values

Part of my work with you may include identifying your values (the things that make you YOU). Below are a few of my values and how it shows up when working with me.

 

  • Me: You won’t get a textbook canned response from me. Real person, with his own challenges, who is passionate about helping.

    You: Helping you become 100% your authentic self is life changing.

  • Me: Play is my biggest value in my life, and without being playful I do not feel truly alive.

    You: Counseling does not need to be boring, it can be engaging and fun.

  • Me: Hope keeps me moving forward.

    You: Whether you’re a glass half full or half empty person, I’ll show you that you can refill that glass.

  • Me: I do best when I’m doing what I’m passionate about and to my strengths.

    You: We’ll find your right tools in your tool box, so you’re not trying to fix everything with a hammer.

  • Me: Different solutions for everyone, outside the box thinking (sometimes this leads to us being outside, literally)

    You: Spark your interests and passions and help build a growth mindset.

  • Me: One of my biggest pet peeves is things that waste our time.

    You: I won’t waste your time as it is too valuable (we can move fast or slow, whatever is best for you)

  • Me: Big heart searching for other big hearts.

    You: You are accepted for who you are and where you are, no matter what

  • Me: We are stronger when we stand together.

    You: You’ll have one of your biggest allies on your side.