Dr. David Mathews, LICSW

Dr. David Mathews is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Psychology who has practiced in Minnesota for more than 35 years. He brings long experience working with people facing a wide range of concerns, including trauma and intimate partner violence, those who have been abusive toward family or others, and witnesses to harmful behaviors in the home or community. He also addresses parenting challenges, sexual violence, bullying, emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, chemical health concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger, self-esteem, addictions, and LGBT-related matters.

Mathews offers a warm, interactive counseling style that emphasizes a respectful, professional relationship as the foundation for meaningful change. He treats people with sensitivity and compassion and avoids stigmatizing labels. His clinical approach blends cognitive-behavioral methods with Adlerian ideas, a feminist-oppression perspective, and a developmental attachment lens to tailor a treatment plan to each person’s unique needs. He frames therapy as a collaborative process, adapting dialog and techniques to suit individual goals and circumstances.

Seeking help is a courageous step, and Mathews aims to support and empower people as they navigate life transitions and healing. He is available to work with individuals and families in Minnesota and looks forward to helping clients move toward greater resilience and well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Sessions with Dr. David Mathews

Dr. Mathews integrates Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relationships shape current patterns of connection and emotional response. This approach can help with relationship struggles, intimacy issues, and the long-term effects of disrupted attachment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical skills and structured exercises - it is often used for anxiety, depression, anger, and stress management. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on understanding and reshaping emotional responses to improve bonds and communication in relationships, which can be particularly useful for couples and family issues.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Mathews works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then tailors a treatment plan that may draw on one or more methods. The plan evolves as progress is made and priorities change so that care fits each individual or family.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for scheduling and for engaging in care from different locations. These formats make it easier to maintain regular contact, fit sessions into a busy life, and access support when in-person visits are not practical. Licensed professionals can adapt these methods to deliver effective, person-centered therapy across a range of concerns.