I know starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you don’t know who you’ll be working with; that’s why I think it’s important to take a moment to introduce myself. Hi, I’m Matthew! I am so excited to introduce myself as a practicum student here at Dochas Psychological Services. A little about me, I am a fitness and coffee nut! So, outside of work, you’ll likely find me at the gym, in a local coffee shop, or walking some of the nearby trails!

Having grown up in a small, rural Alberta town, and through my own experiences of social anxiety, loneliness, and grief, I understand both the importance of having support and how difficult it can be to ask for help. I want you to know that, to the best of my ability, I aim to be that support for you — you are not alone.

Our first few sessions will be all about getting to know each other! I truly value a flexible and authentic approach to therapy, so my goal is to develop a full picture of what you are going through and ensure I am the right fit for you! Additionally, I believe therapy is a collaborative endeavour; I want you to feel heard, comfortable, and safe to explore whatever you wish in session!

I recognize that each of us comes from unique walks of life with different challenges, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions — and sometimes, we simply need someone to listen to us. In my practice, I tend to use several theoretical models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), as well as mindfulness exercises, to tailor my approach to your personal needs. If any of these approaches seem interesting to you, I’d be happy to share more about what they might look like!

Together, we can explore the strengths you’ve already developed, what might be holding you back, and begin working towards something better suited to and more meaningful for you!