Matthew Christensen, LCSW

Idaho | Online sessions in Idaho | English | Book with Matthew »

Compassionate, story-focused therapy

Details

Name	Matthew Christensen
Credentials	LCSW
Based in	Idaho
Licensed in	Idaho
Session format	Online
Languages	English
Years in practice	13

About Matthew

Matthew Christensen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, and relationship concerns. He works in Idaho and brings 13 years of experience to conversations about mood, trauma, ADHD, parenting, and intimacy-related issues. Matthew aims to create a calm, respectful space and meets clients where they are.

Matthew takes a straightforward, person-centered approach. Sessions focus on telling and reworking the stories that shape everyday choices and feelings.

Background and approach

He listens for patterns that cause pain and then helps people try different actions and perspectives. He draws from Narrative approaches to examine life stories and from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to connect values with practical steps. Cognitive Behavioral tools help with changing unhelpful thoughts and habits.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are added when emotional regulation and interpersonal boundaries are needed. Matthew aims for short, clear goals that fit each person’s pace. He prefers plain language and practical techniques over jargon.

People can expect a warm, steady presence and encouragement to take small, doable steps between sessions. Outside of therapy topics, he has worked across a range of settings and with many concerns including chronic illness, caregiver stress, substance use, codependency, and life purpose. His background supports flexible conversations about complex situations and multiple challenges.

What this therapist works with

His listing names Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse among the things Matthew works with, alongside the areas below.

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Trauma and abuse
Depression
ADHD
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Parenting issues
Anger management
Abandonment
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Divorce and separation
Drug and alcohol addiction
Fatherhood issues
Guilt and shame
Intellectual disability
Life purpose
Mood disorders
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)

Approaches listed

Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Gottman Method: Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Matthew among the ways he works.
Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Matthew directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.

Narrative Therapy in this listing

Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.

If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Matthew directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.

Online session options

How narrative and acceptance work in online therapy

Narrative Therapy looks at the stories people tell about themselves and their lives. Online sessions use conversation to uncover these stories, separate people from problems, and create new, more helpful narratives that reduce shame and increase agency.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps that align with their values. In practice this means learning small exercises and actions to live a more meaningful life despite discomfort.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Matthew will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. Together they’ll try techniques and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers options that fit different routines. Video calls let for a face-to-face conversation, phone sessions work well if bandwidth is limited, and live chat or text messaging help with quick check-ins or ongoing support between appointments. These formats make it easier to schedule sessions around work, caregiving, or travel while still using the same therapeutic approaches and tools.

Common questions about this listing

What kinds of concerns does he help with?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and anger. Additional focus areas include ADHD, chronic illness, caregiver stress, and substance use.

How would you describe his therapy style?

His style is person-centered and warm with a calm tone. He uses narrative work and practical techniques to reshape stories and try new behaviors.

What is his clinical background?

He has 13 years of experience in the mental health field working with a wide range of concerns and settings. That background informs how he adapts tools to individual needs.

What are his credentials and location?

Matthew holds the LCSW credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and practices in Idaho.

In which languages can sessions be held?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging depending on what fits the client best.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Contacting this therapist

Sessions with Matthew are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Matthew where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.

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