- CBT methods
- Solution-focused work
- Trauma-focused care
About Donald
Donald Mattson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan with 20 years of experience. He works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, mood difficulties, and life transitions. He also helps people facing caregiver strain, control issues, feelings of emptiness, first responder stress, and questions about life purpose.
He writes about anxiety and expressive arts and has published journal articles and a book on anxiety tools. His style is direct and practical. Sessions focus on real-world strategies people can try between meetings.
In sessions he uses straightforward conversation, skill practice, and reflection. He draws on cognitive behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He uses solution-focused ideas to set small, achievable goals and to notice progress.
He also brings psychodynamic perspectives to look at longer-standing patterns that may influence current stress and relationships. For trauma-related concerns he uses trauma-focused techniques to address symptoms tied to past experiences. The aim is to combine approaches so people have both short-term tools and ways to understand deeper patterns.
People often come with feeling stuck about work, relationships, or life direction. He helps them map practical next steps, manage intense reactions, and reduce day-to-day disruption. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session to see how the work fits their goals.
How his approaches translate to online work
Donald Mattson often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and to teach practical skills for managing anxiety and panic. CBT sessions typically focus on skill practice, homework, and step-by-step behavior changes that can be used between meetings.He also uses trauma-focused therapy for post-traumatic stress and abuse-related symptoms. This approach addresses trauma responses with techniques intended to reduce reactivity and improve daily functioning. In addition, solution-focused work helps set small, achievable goals so progress is evident early on.
Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. He will discuss options with each person and adjust methods based on the client's needs, goals, and preferences. That conversation is part of the first sessions rather than decided in advance.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules demand it. They also let people practice skills in their usual environments and return to work or caregiving duties with less interruption.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Michigan, Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and mood difficulties, plus related issues such as caregiver stress, control issues, emptiness, and life purpose.
How does he approach feeling stuck?
He uses a practical mix of approaches, aiming for short-term tools and longer-term understanding. Sessions combine skill practice, goal setting, and reflection.
What is his background and experience?
He has 20 years of clinical experience and has written journal articles and a book on anxiety tools.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Michigan.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost work?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.