- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship concerns
- Blended family issues
About Matthew
Matthew Esselstrom is a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 22 years of professional experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, anger, self-esteem, motivation, and life changes. Sessions focus on practical steps rather than jargon, aimed at helping people make small, steady changes.
Matthew takes a straightforward approach in session. He listens for what matters most and then helps people try clear, manageable strategies. Common topics include coping with grief, addiction, trauma and abuse, intimacy struggles, sleep and eating difficulties, ADHD, and issues that arise in blended family situations.
He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and adapts conversations to each person’s situation. That can mean talking through patterns, practicing new ways of responding, or planning concrete changes to test between sessions. He describes therapy as a collaborative process where the client’s goals guide the work.
Matthew also supports people dealing with career stress, caregiver strain, codependency, commitment and control issues, and the effects of separation or divorce. He addresses both mood conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder and behavior concerns related to substance use.
Sessions are offered in English and conducted from his California practice. Prospective clients complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session to begin. The service uses a cancellable subscription model for ongoing work.
Therapeutic approaches and online care
Matthew uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address practical problems. Cognitive-based approaches help identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking to reduce anxiety and low mood. Behavioral strategies focus on changing routines and testing small actions between sessions, which can help with anger, motivation, sleep, and addiction-related behaviors.These approaches are presented collaboratively. The therapist and client decide together which methods to try based on goals and what has or has not worked before. Adjustments are common, so the plan can change as progress or obstacles appear.
The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It also makes it possible to use tools like worksheets or structured exercises during or between sessions. Ask about formats and scheduling when arranging the first appointment to choose what fits daily life best.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, anger, self-esteem, addictions, trauma, grief, intimacy issues, sleep and eating problems, ADHD, and blended family issues among other areas.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses evidence-based techniques and focuses on clear, practical steps. Sessions emphasize problem-solving and experimenting with new behaviors between meetings.
How much experience does he have?
He has 22 years of professional experience working as a clinician in California.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a California LMFT and practices in California.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work with him?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and services. Ongoing sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.