Psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
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Psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
About Dr. Marsha Mathews, PsyD, LMFT
My Approach
At Dr. Marsha Mathews, PsyD, LMFT, I believe in taking a holistic approach to therapy, treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. I use evidence-based techniques and work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their goals. I work with couples, families, individuals, adults, and adolescents. I utilize CBT and DBT as well as trauma therapies as EMDR, CPT and TRM. I hope to work with you on your journey toward healing.
My Experience
I am a Doctor of Psychology and obtained my education at California Southern University. I have been Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2000. Beginning in 1989 and prior to my licensure, I have had 14 years of experience in working with populations of men, women, and children and in substance dependency. This experience has allowed me to gain expertise in a variety of therapeutic interventions such as Motivational Interviewing (Mint Status Certification), Applied Behavioral Analysis (training others in ABA for Therapeutic Behavioral Services), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Certified in DBT) and Trauma Resilience Model (a trauma-based therapy certification). I also utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to address trauma. Additionally, I have had extensive training in addiction, have taught college level courses in addictive disease and psychology and I have been licensed by the California Certification Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors as a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Internationally Certified in Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Association. I have done extensive work in adolescent, adult, couples and family therapy.
My approach is an eclectic approach of the various psychotherapeutic techniques in which I specialize such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and Object relations with a focus on attachment. I design treatment strategies and care planning tailored to you as an individual.
My Philosophy
I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and change, and that therapy can help unlock that potential. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Therapy can be very liberating and can assist you in feeling less depressed or anxious and some of the interventions that I use can teach you new ways of coping and increase your resiliency. Therapy can also bring up uncomfortable feelings that you have not acknowledged for a while. Therapy has potential for emotional risks and for most people the results are quite helpful. Overall, psychotherapy is a process that provides an opportunity for personal improvement, gaining deeper insight into oneself, and the chance to work through any problems or challenges that you are currently facing.
The journey must begin with a desire to change. Embracing the present is significant in your ability to transcend life’s difficulties. The path toward wholeness can be filled with indecision and cluttered with negativity that can alter your course. Your perseverance will be important in making changes that can enhance your life. You may be faced with recommitting to change along your way. Ultimately, your journey is your own and it is up to you to stay on course. I trust that your deepest desire for change will motivate you to stay on the path toward freedom.
Adult Transformational Change
My work as a psychotherapist has brought me to the decision to write this book on adult transformation and change that occurs when an individual has made the decision to get help and initiate the journey toward personal growth. I have observed so many brave and courageous men and women engage in therapy and alter their behaviors, perceptions, and emotional responses to life circumstances. Working with people who desire change and want a life that is more valuable has inspired me...
— Marsha Mathews, PsyD
Parenting Your Teen
My decision to write this book came from
my observation of parents with teens who
have challenging behaviors and intense
emotional reactivity. In my psychotherapy
practice, I found many mothers and
fathers of adolescents who were out of
ideas on how to help their teen.
Often, in their attempts to change the behavior
of their teens, the emotional climate of the
household only got worse. Many parents
were eager to find a new strategy for helping
their emotionally dysregulated teen.
I want to acknowledge the courage of
parents willing to set aside their old ways
of parenting to try new ideas in hopes that
they could better help their adolescent.
— Marsha Mathews, PsyD