Matthew Vaughn , LPC

Matthew Vaughn brings a long history in mental health care, having worked in psychiatric hospitals and private practice since 2001. He has extensive experience with adolescents, young adults, and adults, and blends deep theoretical knowledge with a down-to-earth, often humorous style that helps demystify the growth and change process.

Trained in a graduate program that traces its roots to Abraham Maslow and the humanistic tradition, he maintains a humanistic and transpersonal orientation while continually expanding his skills. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor - LPC - and a Certified IMAGO relationship therapist, and he has focused professional work in psychiatric and addiction hospitals where he supported people facing severe mental health and substance use challenges. In addition to hospital work, he has substantial private practice experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy.

Matthew’s areas of focus include emerging adulthood, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, autism spectrum concerns, spirituality, addiction, finding meaning, and dream exploration. His theoretical foundation is person-centered, inspired by Carl Rogers, but his approach is eclectic - integrating cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, focusing, relational, and spiritual methods. He emphasizes a collaborative, human-centered process that aims to make therapeutic work both effective and engaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Matthew commonly draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and IMAGO relationship therapy in his online work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and the therapist’s genuine, nonjudgmental presence to help individuals explore their values, identity, and personal growth - it is useful for issues like self-esteem, life transitions, and finding meaning. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it practical for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. IMAGO relationship therapy is a structured approach for couples that explores how early experiences shape relationship dynamics and helps partners develop clearer communication and healing strategies.

Finding the right fit is part of the therapeutic process, and Matthew approaches this collaboratively. He will work with each person or couple to assess needs, goals, and preferences and tailor an approach that combines these methods when appropriate.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - which can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life or to connect across distances. Licensed professionals can adapt these approaches effectively in remote formats, helping clients access consistent support without needing in-person visits.