My approach in counseling stems from my beliefs that clients possess the innate capability to understand and navigate through the challenges of their lives. I believe that clients desire to feel connected to those around and satisfy this need by forming growth-fostering relationships. Ultimately, each client brings to session their own experiences that makes them unique and an expert of their own lives. There is a combination of internal and external factors that govern their behavior, thoughts, and feelings that may have led to their current concerns. As a counselor, I am here to listen and engage in dialogue to create greater self-awareness and empower my clients to increase their confidence, independence, and mental health.

In order for clients to benefit from the counseling experience, I attempt to form an authentic, compassionate, and trusting relationship with each of them. This therapeutic collaborative relationship is crucial for you as a client so that you feel comfortable to be authentic with me as your clinician but more importantly with yourself. It is my belief that this authentic relationship can assist you to create change in your life and help you identify other various conflicts that you may be facing.

When working with children and adolescents, my purpose as their clinician is to be their voice and advocate. Alongside with that, my goal is to collaborate with parents/guardians to identify the needs that may not be fulfilled for your child. Building the relationship between you and your child is crucial to satisfying your child’s needs to improve their psychological and socioemotional development. For younger children, I typically incorporate play therapeutic techniques to understand your child’s world because play is your child’s language. Children and adolescents are still learning how to process and regulate their emotions effectively. Therefore, I ask parents/guardians to have patience with the counseling process. Children and adolescents do not process their world like adults so the counseling process can take longer due to developmental maturity.

Specialties:
Men's Mental Health, Masculinity, Gender, Ethnic identity, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Stress-Reduction

Client Focus:
Adolescents, College Students, Adults, Couples, Families

Accepted Payment Methods:
Private Pay

Degree/s:
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Texas at San Antonio
B.S. Psychology, Minor: Neuroscience, Texas A&M University

Additional Credentials:
National Certified Counselor, NBCC
Low-High ROPES Certified, American National Standard ANSI/PRCA
Trust Based Relational Intervention-Caregiver Training, CISSA

Email Address:
matthewsanchez@oakwoodcounseling.com