Matthew "Matt" Forbes, LCSW

Matthew "Matt" Forbes is a licensed clinical social worker who uses straightforward, practical work to help people through stress, anxiety, grief, and related concerns. He introduces clear tools and conversations to help people make small changes that add up over time.

Matt has nine years of experience in the field and is based in Utah. He often helps clients who are struggling with self-esteem, motivation, relationship and intimacy concerns, and career or workplace stress. He also supports people facing grief, compassion fatigue, and issues linked to gender and sexuality.

In sessions he focuses on creating an open space where a person can talk without judgment. He aims to listen first, and then offer steps and practices that fit each person's life. Simple, practical strategies are a common part of his work.

Matt draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to look at how thoughts and behaviors interact, and on Existential Therapy to discuss meaning and life choices. He uses those approaches to help clients clarify goals, reduce symptoms, and try new ways of coping.

People can work with him in several online formats including video, phone, chat, and messaging. He describes therapy as a partnership where the client sets goals and progress is checked along the way.

How CBT and existential ideas work online

Matthew blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Existential Therapy in online sessions to address thinking patterns and life meaning. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce anxiety, panic, or low mood. Existential Therapy helps people talk through questions about purpose, values, and making choices during life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That might mean using CBT tools for a season and shifting toward bigger meaning questions as things change.

Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives. Video lets people see and hear each other for deeper conversation. Phone sessions can be useful when bandwidth is limited or for those who prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging support quicker check-ins, written reflection, and flexible scheduling. These options aim to increase access and make steady progress more possible for a variety of routines and needs.