- Client-centered care
- Trauma-informed work
- Skills-based focus
About Matthew
Matthew Dugan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than two decades of clinical experience. He helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and codependency. He is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and supports people navigating coming out and related challenges.
Matthew uses straightforward, practical work in session. He listens first, then helps people identify goals and small steps they can try between meetings. Sessions include skills practice, problem-solving, and strategies to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning.
He draws on a mix of approaches that fit the situation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to spot unhelpful thinking and change behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy adds skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. EMDR can be part of work with trauma when that seems appropriate.
Over his career Matthew has focused on addiction and serious mental illness, and he has long experience with grief, relationship struggles, anger, and issues tied to family of origin. He describes his aim as helping people reduce suffering and build a life worth living.
Matthew earned a master’s degree in counseling and holds licensure in South Carolina. He blends direct, practical guidance with a collaborative tone so people can try new habits and notice what helps.
Therapeutic approaches and online work
Matthew often blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR when delivering care. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people notice and test unhelpful thoughts and then try new behaviors to change how they feel. EMDR is used with trauma-focused work to process difficult memories and reduce their emotional hold.Finding the right approach is part of the process. He works together with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adjusts the plan over time based on what helps most.
Session formats are not fully specified here, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and remove travel time. Licensed professionals can use a mix of message-based or live appointments so people can choose what matches their routine and comfort.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Credentials
South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Matthew address in therapy?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma and codependency, plus related issues such as grief, relationship problems, and self-esteem.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
He listens first and works collaboratively to set goals. Sessions mix practical skills, problem-solving, and steps to try between meetings.
What background and experience does he bring?
He has 23 years of experience working in behavioral health, including long-term work with substance use and serious mental illness.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - practicing in South Carolina.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients served?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled for sessions?
Fees vary by location and therapist arrangements; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working together?
Choose the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.