- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
About Matthew
Matthew Rodgers is a California-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with five years of professional experience. He works with people coping with addictions, LGBT concerns, intimacy-related problems, self-esteem struggles, and major life changes. Matthew also lists focused work around guilt and shame, body image, sexuality, and post-traumatic stress.
He frames sessions as practical conversations about what is getting in the way now. He uses direct questions and reflection to help people clarify goals. Sessions aim to identify small, doable steps rather than long lists of abstract tasks.
Matthew draws on approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy to build momentum and forward motion. He also brings trauma-focused methods when intrusive memories or past harms are central to someone’s distress. These methods are used to help people manage strong feelings and make clearer choices.
Much of his work has been with veterans, addressing PTSD and substance use alongside reintegration goals. He also has academic training in gerontology and experience with LGBTQIA+ culture and sex-positive care. That background informs how he talks about sexuality, kink, and non-monogamous relationships.
Sessions move at a practical pace. Matthew helps people translate insights into actions they can try between meetings. He encourages checking outcomes and adjusting plans step by step.
How his approaches guide online work
Motivational Interviewing is a short-term, goal-focused approach that uses open questions and reflective listening to help people resolve mixed feelings and increase readiness for change. It is often useful for substance use, addictive behaviors, or any situation where making a change feels difficult.Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes small, practical steps and what is already working. Sessions look for exceptions to the problem and concrete actions to try between meetings, which can help with self-esteem, intimacy issues, and coping with life changes.
Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on reducing the hold that traumatic memories have on daily life. It offers ways to process or manage intrusive memories and strong emotional reactions, which can be relevant for people with PTSD or past harms.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. Matthew will work with a client to decide which methods feel most useful based on their goals and preferences. He will check in and adjust the plan as progress or new needs emerge.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is tight, or avoid travel for appointments. Licensed professionals often use online sessions to keep momentum between in-person visits and to try techniques in real-life contexts.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of guilt or shame does he address?
He lists guilt and shame alongside addictions, intimacy issues, body image, and sexuality. People often bring shame tied to relationships, past actions, or identity.
How does he approach feelings of guilt?
He uses practical conversation and reflection to clarify what the guilt is about. Techniques from Motivational Interviewing and solution-focused work help people decide what to change next.
What is his clinical background?
He is a California LCSW with five years of work experience and a background in gerontology. Much of his practice has involved work with veterans and trauma-related concerns.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He holds an LCSW credential in California and practices from that state.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does cost work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.