Matthew Esselstrom is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist with 22 years of clinical experience. Matthew focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, motivation, anger, and self esteem. He emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every session.
Matthew adapts conversations and treatment to fit each person's situation. Sessions are shaped around the concerns you bring, whether that is confidence, relationships, or coping with life changes. He aims to make the first steps toward change feel doable and clear.
Clients who work with Matthew can expect direct, practical conversation. He helps break problems into manageable pieces and looks for small, realistic steps forward. That approach is useful for issues like grief, addiction, sleep and eating concerns, or career stress.
Across his practice he has supported people facing trauma, parenting strain, bipolar and depressive mood concerns, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. Matthew also addresses attachment-related struggles, abandonment, and codependency in everyday terms so clients can apply ideas at home.
He describes therapy as a collaborative process. Matthew helps people define goals and then tailors a plan to reach them. The aim is greater confidence, better coping, and more satisfying relationships over time.
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Matthew uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques delivered in clear, practical language. One approach focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new ways of responding to stress and anxiety; this helps people increase confidence and reduce overwhelm. Another approach targets behavior and routines, helping clients build steady habits for sleep, eating, and managing impulses that affect mood and motivation.
Figuring out the right approach is part of the work. Matthew collaborates with each person to match methods to their goals, needs, and what feels doable. He adjusts pacing and strategies as progress is made so the plan stays useful.
Confirm the available session options before booking so you know how you will meet. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and let people use quieter surroundings or a shorter check-in when needed. Licensed professionals can also use remote work to maintain momentum between life changes and to keep therapy consistent when schedules are tight.
AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Matthew help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, anger, self esteem, addictions, trauma and many related issues like grief, sleep and eating problems.
How would you describe his approach in sessions?
He uses straightforward, practical conversation and tailors treatment to each person. The focus is on breaking problems into manageable steps and setting clear goals.
How much clinical experience does he have?
Matthew has 22 years of professional work experience as a licensed therapist in California.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Click the continue button on this profile, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.
