Matthew English, LCSW

Illinois · 8 years in practice

Matthew English is a licensed clinical social worker who draws on existential ideas to help people find meaning amid stress and uncertainty.

License and registration

LCSW, Illinois: 149022534 · expires November 2027
NPI: 1417546607 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 8
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About Matthew

Matthew English is a licensed clinical social worker who draws on existential ideas to help people find meaning amid stress and uncertainty. He combines practical skills with a calm, curious stance to help clients notice their thoughts and feelings and choose actions that fit their values. Matthew keeps language simple and sessions focused on real-life steps.

He has eight years of clinical experience working in Illinois and has long experience in community service settings.

Background and approach

That background informs a grounded approach to concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and questions about sexuality and identity. He also helps people wrestling with self-esteem, attachment issues, and life purpose. In sessions he often asks people to name uncomfortable feelings as they arise and to try small, concrete practices such as breathing and brief grounding.

These moments are used to build awareness and test new ways of responding between meetings. Homework is common and reviewed without judgment at the next session. Matthew blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive-behavioral tools, dialectical behavior strategies, client-centered listening, and existential reflection.

He aims to co-create a space where people can uncover strengths and take steps toward a life that feels more aligned with their values. He works with people in the LGBTQ community and others from varied social backgrounds. Sessions are available in English and are offered through multiple online formats including video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Matthew lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Approaches Matthew names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Existential Therapy invites people to examine meaning, choice, and values in their lives. Online sessions with this focus often involve conversational reflection about what matters most and small experiments to test living differently. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, teaches noticing difficult thoughts and committing to value-driven action; it is useful for anxiety, stress, and low mood by linking awareness with practical steps. Client-Centered Therapy centers the client's experience and priorities; the therapist listens deeply and follows the client’s lead to build trust and clarity.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Matthew will discuss your situation and goals, try methods together, and adjust the plan based on what feels most helpful. He emphasizes working with you to find approaches that fit your needs and preferences rather than imposing a single method.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is well suited for longer therapy sessions and face-to-face conversation. Phone sessions can fit into a busy day or be used when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or text-based messaging supports shorter check-ins, ongoing coaching, and quick reflections between sessions. These options make it easier to schedule work around life commitments and keep momentum between meetings.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does Matthew focus on?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and LGBT-related concerns. He also focuses on self-esteem, attachment issues, life purpose, men's issues, self-love, and sexuality.

What is his therapeutic style like?

Matthew blends existential reflection with practical techniques. He uses mindful noticing, breathing exercises, and homework to link insight with action.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has eight years of clinical experience, plus additional background in community service that shapes his approach.

What credentials does he hold and where is he based?

He is an LCSW, licensed in Illinois, and practices with clients located in that state.

Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?

Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats does he offer?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and communication preferences.

How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling based on the therapist's availability.

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