Works with
How Matthew works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LPC
- Licensed in
- South Carolina
- Years in practice
- 23
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Matthew
Matthew Dugan is a licensed professional counselor with more than two decades of clinical experience. He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, trauma, anger, and relationship or family struggles. Matthew speaks plainly in sessions and focuses on practical steps people can use right away.
He uses several well-known therapy approaches to match what each person needs. Sessions often involve talking through patterns, learning skills to manage intense feelings, and practicing new ways of coping.
Background and approach
Matthew supports people navigating identity questions and issues common in the LGBT community. Matthew draws on 23 years in behavioral health to shape his work. He blends client-centered care with cognitive-behavioral tools and mindfulness exercises to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
He also brings experience in trauma-focused methods when past events continue to cause problems. In appointments he aims to make goals concrete. That can mean building breathing and grounding skills, trying new communication strategies, or breaking big problems into small steps.
He works collaboratively to set short-term goals and track progress over time. People who choose him will find a practitioner who values honesty and straightforward guidance. Sessions are practical and focused on helping people regain control, feel safer in relationships, and take steps toward a more stable life.
What Matthew works with
Everything Matthew lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Matthew's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Abandonment
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Young adult issues
Approaches Matthew lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How therapy approaches translate to online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person in front of the therapist. It means sessions start with the client's goals and priorities, and the therapist listens without judgment to help people clarify what matters and decide next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, anger, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and better interpersonal skills, which can help people who struggle with intense emotions and relationship conflicts.Matthew works with each person to figure out which approach or blend of approaches fits best. Choosing a method is collaborative: he will discuss options, try techniques together, and adjust based on goals and what feels helpful. The first sessions typically focus on priorities and on selecting a path forward.
Online therapy offers flexibility in how people connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversations and full-session work. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to use video. Live chat and text messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, skill coaching between sessions, or when a written format helps someone process their thoughts. These options make it easier to keep consistent appointments and fit therapy into a busy life.
Questions people ask about Matthew
What concerns does Matthew commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma and anger, plus relationship and family issues and identity-related concerns within the LGBT community.
What is his general therapeutic style?
Sessions are practical and collaborative, with an emphasis on clear goals, skills practice, and regular check-ins to see what is working.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 23 years of experience in behavioral health and counseling settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds a Licensed Professional Counselor credential - LPC - and practices from South Carolina.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available online?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are fees handled for sessions?
Fees vary with location and therapist availability and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.