- CBT techniques
- ACT and mindfulness
- Exposure strategies
About Matthew
Matthew McKinley is an Ohio LPCC with six years of clinical experience. He works with young adults on common pressures like anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, life changes, and relationship concerns. He also addresses addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep issues, career questions, ADHD, and parenting stress.
Matthew’s style is straightforward and conversational. He avoids stiff or overly formal sessions and prefers clear, practical work. He blends cognitive behavioral tools with acceptance-oriented ideas and client-centered listening to help people manage difficult feelings and take action they value.
In sessions he teaches skills such as grounding, emotion regulation, and thought practice alongside behavior changes. He uses exposure-based strategies for anxiety where appropriate and works on communication and boundary skills for relationship and family stress. He aims to balance seriousness with moments of lightness so therapy does not feel only heavy.
Matthew describes some influences from existential thinking and mindfulness practices. He draws on that background to help people find meaning and make choices aligned with their values. He does not promise quick fixes but focuses on steady, manageable steps toward clearer goals.
He practices in Ohio and conducts work in English. People who are weighing therapy can start by completing a brief matching questionnaire and scheduling an initial session to see how his approach fits their needs.
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without fighting them, then choosing actions that match personal values; it can help with anxiety, low mood, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with practical exercises and skill practice to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful for intense mood swings, anger, or relationship difficulties.Finding the right approach is something Matthew treats as a collaborative process. He will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, try skills in session, and adjust the mix of methods based on what helps. The plan often includes short experiments and skill practice between meetings so people can see what fits their life.
If you want to pursue sessions online, confirm the exact formats available before booking since the profile does not list them. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around school, early-career jobs, or caregiving duties. It also lets sessions stay brief and focused when that suits a busy day, supports using phone-only check-ins when video is difficult, and allows practicing skills in the settings where challenges actually happen.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life changes, relationship and family concerns, addiction, trauma, grief, sleep problems, and career questions among other areas.
How would he describe his therapy style?
His approach is direct and conversational, using practical skills from CBT, ACT, DBT and client-centered methods while keeping sessions down-to-earth.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has six years of professional experience working as a counselor in clinical settings.
What credential does he hold and where does he practice?
He holds the LPCC credential and practices in Ohio.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are conducted in English and international clients are not accepted at this time.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are used.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and services; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.