Matthew Carleton , LMSW

Matthew Carleton is a licensed social worker practicing therapy in Michigan who brings a practical, skills-based approach to common life challenges. He holds an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) credential and has provided individual therapy for about seven years while also facilitating group work focused on domestic violence and relationship topics for roughly twelve years.

He concentrates on relationship concerns, managing anxiety, and strengthening self-esteem, helping clients identify unhelpful patterns and build healthier coping strategies. His primary method is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - a structured approach that examines how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, particularly in depression and anxiety. Matthew aims to create clear, actionable steps clients can use outside of sessions to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.

Matthew combines experience with a direct, collaborative style; he works with people to challenge thinking patterns that maintain emotional pain and to develop practical skills for navigating relationships and personal growth. His background in both individual and group settings informs a balanced perspective on interpersonal dynamics and personal change.

CBT and Gottman-informed care delivered online

Matthew Carleton uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients spot and reframe thoughts that contribute to anxiety and low mood. CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical exercises clients can use to reduce worry and change unhelpful patterns.

He also draws on the Gottman Method for relationship work, which emphasizes improving communication, managing conflict, and rebuilding friendship and trust between partners. This approach is aimed at helping couples learn concrete skills for handling disagreements and strengthening their connection.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Matthew works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. He adapts interventions over time so therapy remains focused and relevant.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into a busy life and to maintain continuity of care. These options allow clients to access licensed professionals from their own settings while working on relationship, anxiety, and self-esteem concerns.