- Years in practice
- 7
- Credentials
- LMSW
- Licensed in
- Michigan
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Family conflicts
About Matthew
Matthew Carleton is a licensed social worker in Michigan who focuses on everyday problems that strain people. He helps with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, anger, and self-esteem. Matthew uses clear, practical tools so conversations stay focused and useful.
He draws on seven years of individual therapy experience and a longer history running groups around domestic violence and relationship topics. He leans on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot unhelpful thoughts and change the behaviors that follow.
Background and approach
He also uses elements of the Gottman Method to address communication and recurring conflict patterns. Sessions are straightforward and goal-oriented. Matthew asks questions, offers simple exercises, and practices new ways of handling old problems together with the client.
Homework is short and aimed at real-life situations, like calming down before a difficult talk or shifting a repeated thinking pattern. People come for single-issue help or to work through bigger transitions such as divorce, career changes, or midlife shifts. He also supports those dealing with trauma, addictions like smoking or vaping, and struggles tied to family history or attachment wounds.
Matthew describes his style as direct but warm. He prioritizes clear steps you can try between sessions. That makes progress easier to track and understand.
What Matthew works with
Everything Matthew lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Matthew helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Parenting issues
- Career difficulties
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Blended family issues
- Body image
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Impulsivity
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Self-love
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Young adult issues
Approaches Matthew lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How CBT and Gottman Work Online
Matthew uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change thoughts that fuel anxiety and depression. Online CBT sessions focus on noticing thought patterns, practicing new ways of thinking, and trying short exercises between meetings to test what works.The Gottman Method elements he employs concentrate on communication habits and conflict patterns. In remote sessions this can mean role-playing conversations, learning simple repair techniques, and practicing small changes to how people speak and listen to one another.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He will talk through your goals and preferences, then adapt CBT or Gottman techniques as needed. Clients often try a mix of methods to see what fits their situation and pace.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video calls are useful for face-to-face conversation and practicing skills together. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for a quick check-in. Chat and messaging work well for short updates, daily tracking, and brief coaching between longer sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, parenting, and busy schedules.
Questions people ask about Matthew
What concerns does Matthew address?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting concerns, anger, self-esteem, addictions, trauma and life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His approach is direct and practical, with short exercises and clear steps to try between sessions.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has seven years of experience providing individual therapy and additional years leading groups on domestic violence and relationship topics.
What credentials and region are listed?
He is a Licensed Master Social Worker, listed as MI LMSW, and works in Michigan.
Which languages and international arrangements are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What formats are used for sessions?
Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is pricing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
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