- 22 years experience
- Calm direct style
- Goal oriented
About Matthew
Matthew Esselstrom is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist with 22 years of experience. Matthew works with people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, motivation struggles, and relationship concerns. He emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every conversation.
Matthew shapes sessions to fit each person's needs. He listens first, then helps set clear goals. He focuses on practical steps people can try between meetings to notice small changes.
Clients often come for help with life transitions, grief, addiction concerns, or difficulties with intimacy and attachment. He also assists people managing mood differences, ADHD, and work-related burnout or compassion fatigue. Sessions cover both immediate coping skills and longer-term patterns that affect daily functioning.
Matthew aims to create a steady, straightforward space where people can name what feels stuck. He explains options and works with each person to decide which approaches to try. Progress is paced to match the client's goals and comfort level.
People who prefer calm, direct conversation and concrete next steps tend to do well with his style. Matthew encourages clients to bring real-life examples to sessions so work can connect to everyday routines. He supports practical problem solving alongside emotional processing.
How Matthew Applies Evidence-Based Techniques Online
Matthew draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One approach emphasizes building coping skills and concrete strategies for managing anxiety and stress, helping people recognize triggers and practice new responses. Another approach targets relationship and attachment concerns by identifying patterns in how people connect and teaching clearer communication and boundary-setting skills.Finding the right approach is part of the process. Matthew works together with each person to decide which techniques match their goals and day-to-day life. He explains options, checks in about what is and isn’t working, and adapts the plan as progress is made.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats offered before booking. Many people find online work easier to fit into their schedules and a good way to keep continuity during life changes. Online sessions can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it simpler to maintain regular appointments around work or family demands. Talk with Matthew during the matching process to clarify how sessions will be arranged and what will best fit your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Matthew commonly help with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, self-esteem, and motivation. He also works with grief, addiction issues, trauma and many life transitions.
What is his therapy style like?
Matthew uses a straightforward, respectful approach that focuses on listening and practical steps. He helps clients set goals and tries out skills they can use between sessions.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 22 years of professional experience providing psychotherapy and support to people facing a range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
Matthew holds an LMFT credential and practices in California.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are session costs 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 according to the therapist's availability.