Starting therapy can take courage, and I’m here to support you through every phase of your journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Hawaii with over 10 years of post-LCSW and 14 years of post-MSW experience. My background includes working as a mental health therapist, case manager, and mental health crisis clinician in two Level 1 trauma hospitals, as well as managing clinical programs. I’ve also provided continuing education seminars for physicians and social workers on topics such as suicide prevention and safety planning, diversity/equity/inclusion/social justice (DEIJ), and adult guardianship.
I have advanced training in working with self-harm, suicide, involuntary treatment, psychosis, personality disorders, HIV, substance use, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, grief, and homelessness. I am comfortable working with clients who actively use drugs, engage in self-harm behaviors, or have recently attempted suicide. Currently, I’m in training to become a certified sex therapist with a focus on issues related to BDSM/kink, chem sex, and non-traditional relationship structures.
My therapy style is collaborative, conversational, and patient-centered. I bring a touch of humor to the process and integrate approaches from harm reduction, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and ego psychology. I believe much of our pain and stress stems from being misunderstood within oppressive systems. My goal is to help you understand your values, strengths, and boundaries as you heal and build community, living authentically and free from the constraints and expectations of others.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Depression, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family problems, First responder issues, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Jealousy, Men's issues, Mood disorders, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Traumatic brain injury
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
HI LCSW LCSW-4449
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Matthew Sutton. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Mathew has been extremely helpful and has really taken the time to listen to my needs and my story. I really feel heard and seen and hopeful. He really pushes me to do the work in a way that makes me feel understood.
Written on Aug 22, 2024 after therapy with Matthew for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion f
Matt is an excellent therapist who listens attentively, provides a clear structure, pathway & space for healing, and useful tools for personal introspection & growth. He not only supports me during our sessions, but is available after & in between our sessions as well. With Matt, I am seen, heard & met where I’m at, without judgment. I am grateful to be intentionally building the future & version of myself I desire & deserve. Thank you, Matt!
Written on Aug 15, 2024 after therapy with Matthew for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions
Matt is great and easy to talk to!
Written on Jun 21, 2024 after therapy with Matthew for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, coping with life changes, and coaching