Matthew English, LCSW

Matthew English is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who blends clinical training with a community-oriented approach to support people through anxiety, stress, trauma, and questions about identity and purpose. He draws on direct experience working with trauma survivors, young adults, members of the LGBTQ community, people of color, and others from diverse social backgrounds to create a respectful, affirming therapy space.

In sessions he often invites clients to notice uncomfortable thoughts and emotions in the moment, using simple mindfulness practices such as breath awareness to reduce reactivity and create space for choice. As a yoga instructor and counselor, he integrates somatic attention and gentle grounding techniques alongside talk therapy to help clients move through difficult feelings and reconnect with what matters to them.

Matthew emphasizes collaboration - co-creating goals, exploring personal values, and identifying strengths and passions that support meaningful change. He commonly offers between-session exercises and reviews progress in subsequent meetings in a nonjudgmental manner to foster greater self-understanding and resilience. He is based in Illinois and works with individuals seeking practical tools and compassionate guidance.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Matthew often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT encourages noticing difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, then taking actions that align with personal values; it is helpful for anxiety, stress, and goal-driven change. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on providing an empathic, nonjudgmental environment where the client's perspective guides the pace of work and fosters self-discovery and self-compassion. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT helps identify and reshape unhelpful thinking patterns and build practical skills for managing mood and behavior, useful for depression, anxiety, and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Matthew works with each person to determine which strategies fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods over time and inviting feedback to ensure the work feels useful and relevant.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video or phone allow for face-to-face connection from home, while live chat and text-based messaging provide options for shorter check-ins or support between appointments. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care around busy schedules and life demands while working with licensed professionals and therapists trained to deliver effective treatment.