Profile / United States
Dr. David Mathews, LICSW
Minnesota
LICSW - Relationships and Trauma
See online therapy options- CBT methods
- Attachment focus
- Emotionally-Focused work
About David
Dr. David Mathews is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Minnesota with 35 years of experience. He works with people who are dealing with relationship problems, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, anxiety, depression, and substance concerns.
He has supported survivors of intimate partner violence and people who have been abusive toward others, as well as those who witnessed hurtful behaviors at home or in the community. He also addresses issues such as bullying, sexual violence, emotional regulation, grief, anger, self-esteem, and LGBT-related concerns.
Dr. Mathews uses a practical, interactive counseling style. He explains ideas clearly and works with clients to set concrete steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is part of his approach, alongside attachment-focused and emotionally-focused methods.
He says a professional, mutually respectful relationship helps produce better results. He avoids stigmatizing labels and works without judgment. Sessions focus on talking through problems, noticing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and trying different ways of responding.
Over his career he has drawn on Adlerian and feminist-oppression perspectives and a developmental lens to inform case formulation. He adapts discussion and treatment planning to each person’s situation. People who want structured, practical work on relationships, trauma, parenting, or mood concerns may find his approach straightforward and action-oriented.
Approaches used remotely and how online work fits
Dr. Mathews draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test different behaviors. CBT uses short experiments and skill practice to reduce anxiety, low mood, and unhelpful patterns in relationships.He also uses Attachment-Based ideas to look at how early patterns affect current connections. That approach helps when trust, intimacy, or recurring relationship conflicts are central concerns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) is used to map moment-by-moment interaction patterns and to help people express feelings that reshape relationship responses.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. He collaborates with each person to choose methods that fit the presenting problem, goals, and preferences. Therapists often mix techniques from these approaches depending on what is most helpful.
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm the current online options before booking so you know whether sessions are by video, phone, or another method. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel and allowing shorter check-ins between commitments, but check the available formats to see what will work for your schedule and needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, anxiety, depression, substance concerns, grief, anger, self-esteem, and LGBT-related issues.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses an interactive, practical style that emphasizes clear explanations and concrete steps. Sessions focus on noticing thoughts and behaviors and trying different responses.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 35 years of experience working as a counselor and therapist in clinical settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a LICSW and practices in Minnesota.
Does he work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does he offer?
The original profile does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options with the provider before booking.
How are fees and starting a first session handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.