- Client-Centered Therapy
- CBT methods
- DBT skills
About Matthew
Matthew Schwer is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota with five years of professional experience. He focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, bipolar disorder, and depression. Matthew works with people carrying guilt and shame alongside other concerns such as abandonment, attachment issues, and forgiveness.
His style centers on open, honest conversation. He uses a client-centered stance that encourages people to say what they actually think and feel. Sessions tend to be practical and straightforward, with room to address painful feelings without judgment.
Matthew draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to notice unhelpful thinking patterns and try different behaviors. He also uses dialectical behavior therapy skills for managing strong emotions and mindfulness practices to support present-moment attention. Motivational interviewing helps when someone is weighing change and looking for clearer reasons to move forward.
When guilt or shame is present, he helps people look at the choices and meanings that keep those feelings alive. Work can include improving communication, repairing trust after infidelity, or sorting identity questions such as gender dysphoria. He also addresses issues common to men, first responders, and people feeling isolated.
Matthew asks clients to be direct about what they need from sessions. He supports a step-by-step approach: name the problem, try small changes, and check what works. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial visit.
How his approaches translate to online work
Matthew often combines client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what the person says so they can sort through feelings and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and tests small changes to see if things shift.He also uses DBT skills for emotion regulation and mindfulness techniques to build steadier attention. DBT skills teach concrete ways to tolerate distress and communicate more clearly. Mindfulness practices help people notice upsetting thoughts and step back from them rather than act on impulse.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to decide which methods suit their goals and preferences. That choice can change over time as problems shift or as different skills are needed.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, shorten check-ins when time is tight, or avoid travel. He aims to shape sessions so they fit into everyday life while focusing on concrete ways to reduce guilt, shame, and relational strain.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does he address related to guilt and shame?
He works with guilt and shame alongside stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, bipolar disorder, and depression.
What is his general therapeutic style?
He uses a client-centered approach that encourages honest talk. Sessions are practical and focused on clear steps forward.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has five years of professional work experience as a licensed clinician.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a Minnesota LICSW and practices in Minnesota.
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 are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin sessions?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.