Narrative Therapy Directory

A listing of therapists who include Narrative Therapy among their approaches

Matthew Dougherty, LMHC

New York | Online sessions in New York | English  |  Book with Matthew »

Practical, story-focused support for daily life

Details

NameMatthew Dougherty
CredentialsLMHC
Based inNew York
Licensed inNew York
Session formatOnline
LanguagesEnglish
Years in practice6

About Matthew

Matthew Dougherty is a licensed mental health counselor practicing in New York. He brings six years of experience helping people who feel stuck by depression, anxiety, or big life changes. He blends practical skills with open, respectful conversation to help people find clearer footing.

Matthew focuses on everyday problems that get in the way of living well. That includes stress, self-esteem struggles, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, workplace strain, and challenges tied to addiction or ADHD.

Background and approach

He also offers support around parenting pressures and coping with separation or divorce. His style is collaborative and down-to-earth. Sessions tend to be conversational and goal-oriented.

Matthew listens for the stories people tell about themselves and then looks for small, workable changes to those stories and daily routines. He uses techniques from Narrative Therapy to examine personal stories and from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot unhelpful thinking patterns. Client-Centered Therapy helps keep the focus on each person’s goals and values.

Motivational Interviewing and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy are added when someone needs help building motivation or emotion regulation skills. People who come to him often want clear steps and language they can use between sessions. Matthew helps craft simple strategies for managing stress, improving communication, and building more reliable routines.

He works in English and practices with attention to people’s lived experiences and identities.

What this therapist works with

His listing names Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Self esteem among the things Matthew works with, alongside the areas below.

Approaches listed

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 practical approaches work online

Matthew blends Narrative Therapy with Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral approaches to help people reorganize their personal stories and build everyday skills. Narrative Therapy looks at the stories people tell about themselves and opens space to reframe those stories so they feel less limiting. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening without judgment and following each person's goals to shape sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce distress.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work, and Matthew treats that as a collaborative process. He will check in about what feels useful and adjust techniques based on a person’s goals, preferences, and the issues they bring. The plan often includes homework-style practice so insights from sessions lead to real-life change.

Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions are helpful when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging let people stay connected between sessions or use brief check-ins during busy days. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, school, or family routines while keeping the focus on steady, manageable progress.

Common questions about this listing

What concerns does Matthew frequently address?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addictive behaviors, self-esteem, ADHD, career strain, parenting pressures, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He keeps sessions conversational and collaborative, listening to each person's story and working toward practical steps they can use day to day.

What is his experience and background?

Matthew has six years of clinical experience as a licensed mental health counselor practicing in New York.

What credential does he hold and where is he based?

He holds the LMHC credential and practices in New York.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How does the subscription and scheduling work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select Start Therapy, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule 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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