Matthew Beal

I grew up on the coast of Maine among the mountains of Acadia National Park and now live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, I discovered a passion for helping people that led me to graduate studies in counseling and theology. I am deeply invested in understanding what makes people the way they are and how transformative change happens. For me, this has involved honing my skill as an empathically curious listener who can foster insight and empower clients to understand and work with their suffering, defenses, capacities, and beauties. Ultimately, I see this as a work of love to help clients on their journey toward flourishing and to help the world in its need for wholeness.

My therapeutic expertise lies in relationships, grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also find joy in helping people regain or cultivate a greater sense of meaning, enjoyment, and satisfaction in their interpersonal and professional lives. My approach is deliberately integrative and wholistic, with strong focus on cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic approaches to change, as well as influence from narrative, person-centered, existential, family systems, liberation, and spiritually integrative approaches.

In our first session, can expect to come away feeling heard and understood. Our first session is a chance for you to share what brings you to therapy, what kind of help you are looking for, and what goals you want to prioritize. It's also a chance for you to ask any questions you have about me and my approach. More than anything, the first session is a time for you to sense of whether our relationship feels like a good fit for you. And if it does, we can begin developing a plan action.