About Matt
Work and Professional Experience
Matt is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). He received his Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa in 2016. Soon after this Matt began working as a Behavioral Health Intervention Specialist (BHIS) where he provided in-home services to at-risk youth and their families. While in this role Matt focused on helping individuals and families develop skills and implement strategies to manage difficult behaviors. During this time, he also pursued graduate studies at the University of Iowa and received his Master of Social work in May of 2019. After graduating he began providing therapy services in an in-patient setting at a Psychiatric Medical Institution for Children (PMIC) while also seeing individuals on an outpatient basis. After working for several years in an inpatient setting Matt transitioned to working in a group practice where he focused on working with youth and adults with anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Matt started Vitality Counseling, PLLC in 2023.
Approach to Therapy
Matt utilizes a person-centered and strength-based approach to understand and address each client’s unique goals for therapy. Viewing the client as the expert on their own situation, Matt values a collaborative approach to treatment that focuses on honoring the individual and their self-determination. Matt specializes in working with clients with complex trauma/PTSD and clients struggling with anxiety and depression. He utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy that includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and experiential therapy techniques. He is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and effective therapy for clients who suffer from PTSD and other trauma related disorders. Matt offers therapy from a Christian perspective if requested by the client.