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ME Portrait of Matthew English

Matthew English

Calm-focused, values-based therapy

About Matthew

Matthew English blends experiential practices with evidence-based psychotherapy to support people navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Background and approach

As an LCSW with eight years of clinical practice in Illinois, he draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to help clients explore emotions, clarify values, and build practical skills for day-to-day life.

His background as a yoga instructor informs a mindful, body-aware orientation that encourages noticing difficult feelings without judgment and using grounded breathing to move through them. He frames therapy as a collaborative process aimed at uncovering strengths, fostering self-compassion, and strengthening a sense of purpose.

Matthew often offers between-session exercises to practice new ways of responding, then reviews progress together to refine strategies. He has particular clinical experience with concerns including LGBT-related issues, attachment challenges, men’s issues, sexuality, self-esteem, and life-purpose questions, and he works to create a respectful, nonjudgmental environment suited to each person’s needs.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Access



Matthew frequently uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people notice difficult thoughts and feelings, clarify personal values, and take committed action toward a meaningful life. He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and teach practical strategies for managing anxiety and low mood. These approaches aim to combine awareness and actionable skills so clients can address symptoms and pursue goals that matter to them.

Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative work he does with each person. He will explore a client’s needs, goals, and preferences and adapt methods over time, reviewing what helps and adjusting interventions together to find the best fit.

Online therapy with Matthew is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which supports flexible scheduling and access from home or work. These formats make it easier to maintain momentum between sessions and practice techniques in everyday settings, while allowing therapists to tailor the pace and communication style to each client’s life and needs.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Matthew address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and issues related to LGBT identity, self-esteem, attachment, sexuality, and life purpose.
What therapeutic style does he use in sessions?
Matthew integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered techniques, CBT, DBT, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to combine mindfulness, skill training, and relational exploration.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has eight years of professional experience as a licensed social worker practicing psychotherapy in Illinois.
Where is Matthew licensed to practice?
He is an LCSW licensed in Illinois with licence number IL LCSW 149022534.
Does he offer therapy in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are provided in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for online work?
He offers a variety of remote options including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How are fees and scheduling handled?
Cost varies based on location and therapist availability and services are provided via a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to his availability.