- Practical coping skills
- LGBTQ+ affirming
- Trauma-informed care
About Matthew
Matthew Dugan is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) based in South Carolina who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and LGBT‑related challenges. He also addresses relationship strain, grief, career concerns, self‑esteem, and coping with major life changes. He brings more than two decades of work in behavioral healthcare to sessions and aims to help people reduce suffering and build a life worth living.
He uses plain, direct conversation to clarify what feels unmanageable and to set simple, practical goals. Sessions often include skills practice, thought work, and strategies to manage urges and emotional pain. He draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to match the situation at hand.
Matthew earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University in 2004 and holds a South Carolina Licensed Professional Counselor credential. He has long experience with serious and persistent mental illness and substance use concerns, and he has worked with people navigating the coming out process and gender dysphoria within the LGBTQ+ community.
Over his career he has developed a toolkit for crisis counseling, trauma work, and addiction-related interventions. In sessions he balances skills training with space to talk about painful experiences and family background. He encourages small, steady changes and checks in on practical barriers to progress.
People who choose him can expect straightforward communication, a focus on immediate coping skills, and a collaborative plan to address both symptoms and daily problems. Before booking, confirm current session options and scheduling details.
How his approaches translate to online care
Client‑Centered Therapy focuses on listening and clear, respectful feedback. It helps people feel heard while they sort out what they want to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses concrete exercises to shift unhelpful patterns and reduce symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills to manage strong reactions and urges.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. He will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. That may mean trying skills first, moving to trauma‑focused work, or blending techniques over time based on what helps most.
Check current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check‑ins when needed. Some formats use less bandwidth or do not require video, which can be helpful on a work break or when quieter surroundings are easier to arrange. Licensed professionals adapt tools like worksheet exercises, mindfulness practice, and structured skills coaching to work well across online settings.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relationship and family problems, grief, and related issues such as anger, self‑esteem, and career concerns.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a straightforward, conversational style focused on clear goals and practical skills. Sessions combine talk, skills practice, and strategies tailored to everyday life.
How much experience does he have?
He has 23 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, including work with serious and persistent mental illness and substance use concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) practicing in South Carolina and holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and billing handled?
Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to start therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.