About Me | Counseling in Midlothian, VA
If you’re feeling stuck, stifled, or conflicted, you can feel better. I want to help you get to where you want to be. I can help with in person counseling in Midlothian, VA and online throughout Virginia.
I am a licensed therapist with over 10 years experience who provides counseling to clients across Virginia and locally in Midlothian, VA.
Therapy Can Help
If you’re feeling stifled, conflicted, or stuck, you can feel better with help from the right therapist.
I provide a nonjudgmental and supportive therapeutic environment combined with innovative evidence-based skills informed by practical philosophy.
I want to help you rekindle your passions and build on your strengths to get where you want to be in life.
Education | | Counseling in Midlothian, VA with John Mathews, LCSW
In college, I majored in psychology at George Mason University, and spent my senior year volunteering at the university’s Human Emotions Research Lab, which at the time was conducting a 10-year study on ways to help former inmates transition into the community.
I split my time between interviewing inmates in the Fairfax County jail and conducting reliability testing on a self-control scale, the research from which was published for the 2007 American Criminology Conference in Atlanta, Ga. I was also nominated by lab head Dr. June Tangney for outstanding undergraduate researcher at George Mason University for the 2006-07 academic year. While I enjoyed conducting research and continue to keep up with the latest advances in the field, I found field work to be my true calling and decided to tailor my career towards direct care.
I received a Master’s of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010. During the 2009-10 academic year, I interned at the University Counseling Services, where I provided outpatient counseling to VCU students in individual and group formats. I also began doing crisis work at this time. The training was outstanding, and I loved working with students. I knew from this moment on that I had found my calling.
My post-grad experience has included working in community and outpatient settings, as well as providing emergency on-call services. In addition to work with clients, I have served as a supervisor for Master’s and Bachelor’s level counselors, providing training and guidance to counselors about difficult situations and ethical dilemmas. I have worked in private practice for over 10 years helping clients get back on the right path.
Therapy Approach | Counseling in Midlothian, VA with John Mathews, LCSW
My counseling approach is based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and informed by practical philosophy.
CBT is an evidence-based approach that is geared towards identifying and eliminating negative or unrealistic thoughts that create anxiety and depression. CBT has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy. The therapist helps to raise awareness about the interconnectivity between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
The therapist helps to identify and reduce negative or hurtful thoughts and behaviors that lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. CBT is generally a more quick-acting therapy that provides immediate coping skills for use throughout the day. CBT is focused on the present more so than the past. However, exploring the past can be a helpful way to identify how certain thoughts and behavior patterns may have emerged.
I also use Interpersonal Theory in my practice, in which I tailor my communication style in ways that help support your growth. With Interpersonal Therapy, the process in which we communicate is more important than the content of the conversation, and it can be helpful for someone who is interested in exploring new ways of communication styles (being more assertive, for example).
Therapy Education
2010 Virginia Commonwealth University
Master’s of Social Work
2007 George Mason University
Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology
Therapy Licenses
John M Mathews is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the State of Virginia. His Virginia license number is: 0904008919.
Therapy Association Memberships
National Association of Social Workers
Publications
John Mathews, LCSW was published in the 2007 American Criminology Conference in Atlanta, Ga.
John has also been sited in many publications online including:
Outside the office | John Mathews, LCSW
I was born and raised in Midlothian, Virginia and am proud to call myself a native to the area. In my adult years I have been around the country and overseas, but Midlothian has always felt like home. I’ve seen enough to know it is a great place to be! When I am not busy with the career I love, I enjoy staying connected to the Richmond music and arts scene (especially punk and ska), reading about philosophy, spending time outdoors, kayaking and sailing, playing guitar, writing music and screenplays, and spending time with my family and two young kids.
Hi, I’m John
I became a therapist because it seemed like a way to actually help people live a better life.
I have been providing counseling in Virginia since 2009. My greatest passion for the work is in connecting with each unique person I work with. I want to help you start feeling better. It’s what I love to do.
Change is hard, and taking the first step towards change can be the hardest of all. But just by being here researching how to make a change, you’ve already taken that step. Don’t stop now!
Schedule Your First Session Today
Let’s get you on the right path to where you actually want to go.
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