Welcome! My name is Matthew Tapia and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Arizona and California. In my life, I’ve seen many people with a broad spectrum of challenges. I’ve also seen that hope and relief are possible. I offer a unique perspective in getting you that help. I enjoy seeing individuals and families solve problems and feel closer together.
My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, autism, Asperger's syndrome, depression, stress, relationship and family issues, life transitions, parenting, and caregiving issues in a variety of settings.
My approach and therapy style draws influence from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It is important that you and I work together as a team using a collaborative approach and that I meet you where you are.
Previously, I worked in a private practice as a clinician, consultant, and supervisor. I have also worked at a nonprofit mental health clinic as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. This background gave me the opportunity to work with individuals, families, and couples with a wide variety of presenting issues. I have supported those dealing with autism, Asperger's syndrome, anger issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, young adult issues, life transitions, men's issues, parenting, caregiving, substance abuse and at-risk adolescent behavior. I also assist crisis response and first responders through their difficult experiences.
I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from San Jose State University. I am also certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and licensed as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Arizona.
Early in my career, I had the privilege of working with a young couple who were facing significant challenges in their relationship. They had been together for several years but found themselves constantly caught in arguments and unable to communicate effectively. Their frustration and despair were palpable during our initial sessions.
As we began our journey together, I witnessed their commitment to each other and their genuine desire to rebuild their connection. Over time, we delved into the underlying issues contributing to their conflicts, exploring patterns of communication, past experiences, and individual needs.
One memorable session stands out vividly in my mind. It was a breakthrough moment when they both expressed vulnerability and shared their deepest fears and insecurities. In that moment of raw honesty, walls crumbled, and empathy flourished. It was a turning point in their relationship as they discovered newfound understanding and compassion for each other.
Through dedication and hard work, they gradually transformed their relationship into one characterized by mutual respect, open communication, and genuine intimacy. Witnessing their growth and resilience was incredibly rewarding, and it reinforced my belief in the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit.
This experience deeply informs my approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges, discover their strengths, and embark on a journey of healing and growth together.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and separation, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Intellectual Disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Mood disorders , Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing
CA LMFT 131725
AZ LMFT 15945
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Matthew Tapia. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Matthew is an empathetic and caring individual that takes the time and energy to meet you where you're at so he can help you elevate yourself. His patience as well as his knowledge helped me navigate through some serious and often frustrating moments in my life. I appreciate Matthew so much for being a solid resource for my mental health.
Written on Feb 03, 2024 after therapy with Matthew for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Amazing therapist with great insight
Written on Dec 14, 2022 after therapy with Matthew for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Very easy to talk to and wonderful personality.
Written on Jun 30, 2022 after therapy with Matthew for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Whether it be in session or out of session, his work has helped me during our time together as well as much self realization outside our work. Hes paitent and listens to what you say not just hears you and goes by his own guide or schedule. 100000000/10 therapist. Man does wonders.
Written on Jun 20, 2022 after therapy with Matthew for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Wonderful experience so far, highly recommended!
Written on Jun 01, 2022 after therapy with Matthew for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes