Dr. David Mathews , LICSW

Dr. David Mathews is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a Doctorate in Psychology who practices in Minnesota and brings more than 35 years of clinical experience. He has worked with people facing a wide range of concerns, including relationship and family challenges, trauma and abuse, survivors of intimate partner violence, individuals who have been abusive toward family members or others, witnesses to hurtful behaviors at home or in the community, parenting difficulties, sexual violence, bullying, struggles with emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, chemical health concerns and addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger, self esteem, and LGBT-related matters.

His counseling style is warm, interactive, and grounded in a professional, mutually respectful relationship. He emphasizes treating people with sensitivity and compassion and avoids stigmatizing labels. Dr. Mathews integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with Adlerian ideas, a feminist-oppression perspective, developmental understanding, and an attachment-informed lens to tailor dialogue and treatment plans to each person’s specific needs. LICSW denotes a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - a credential that indicates advanced training and the authority to provide independent clinical social work services.

Seeking help can take courage, and Dr. Mathews aims to support and empower clients as they work toward change. He adapts his approach to the goals and circumstances presented and is available to partner with individuals and families on their healing journeys.

Therapeutic approaches for online relationship and trauma work

Dr. David Mathews uses evidence-informed approaches that translate well to online formats and often fit the kinds of concerns he treats. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns of connection and emotional bonding - it helps people understand how early and current relationships shape responses to intimacy, trust, and conflict and is useful for relationship and family challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT is practical and skills-oriented, helping clients develop tools to manage mood, reactions, and coping strategies.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on understanding and reshaping emotional responses in close relationships, supporting partners and family members to express needs and rebuild secure bonds. It is often helpful for intimacy-related issues and relationship repair.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Mathews works with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences, adjusting the plan as therapy progresses. Licensed professionals and therapists aim to tailor sessions to what will help most for the moment.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit schedules and access needs. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend appointments from different locations, and integrate therapy into a busy life.