Matthew Carleton, LMSW

Matthew Carleton is a licensed social worker who helps people handle anxiety, stress, relationship struggles, and low self-esteem. He uses clear, practical steps so clients can see small changes that add up. Sessions are straightforward and focused on real-life problems. Matthew has worked in individual therapy for seven years and in relationship and domestic violence group work for about 12 years. He draws on that experience when people bring concerns about family conflict, divorce and separation, blended family issues, or trauma and abuse. He also supports people facing career crossroads, midlife questions, and struggles with addictive behaviors like smoking or vaping. In the therapy room Matthew leans on cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at unhelpful thoughts and tests them against real situations. He also uses ideas from the Gottman Method when addressing relationship patterns and communication habits. Those approaches guide practical exercises and straightforward skills practice. Clients can expect a mix of conversation, skill-building, and short homework between sessions. Matthew focuses on helping people notice patterns, try new responses, and track what works. He keeps language simple and breaks larger goals into small, doable steps. Matthew holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and he is based in Michigan. Sessions are offered in English and available in several online formats to suit different needs.

How CBT and Gottman Work Online

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real situations to reduce anxiety and depression. Online sessions allow the same step-by-step work with thought records, behavioral experiments, and short between-session exercises. The Gottman Method centers on changing interaction patterns and improving communication in relationships. When relationship issues come up, Matthew uses Gottman-informed tools to practice skills like turn-taking, soft startups, and rebuilding trust during sessions and between meetings. Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and day-to-day challenges to decide whether CBT, Gottman ideas, or a mix will be most useful. Clients are encouraged to give feedback so the plan shifts as needed. Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people work visually through exercises and role-plays. Phone sessions are a lower-bandwidth option for focused conversation. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for short check-ins, quick skill reminders, and ongoing support between sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and try strategies in real life right away.