Owen Matherly, LCSW

Hey there! I am Owen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Research has continuously demonstrated that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the best predictor of successful counseling outcomes. My therapeutic approach and philosophy is grounded in the belief that my client first and foremost needs to trust me before any real life changing work in therapy can be done. As both a therapy provider and client, I am aware that trust can be only partially earned by listing accreditations, accolades and prior experience. The rest is earned by a therapist’s ability to dependably provide non-judgmental company, empathetic understanding, level-headed assurance, thoughtful challenges, and informed, practical guidance. I am motivated by Carl Rogers’ emphasis on genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. No matter the individual circumstances that bring a client to session, I do my best to ensure they are met with honesty, respect and understanding.

 

My favorite quote is from the author James Baldwin, it reads, “You have to go the way your blood beats. If you don’t live the only life you have, you won’t live some other life, you won’t live any life at all.” As a therapist and a person, I value authenticity over “perfection,” and I value honest conflict over dishonest harmony. For this reason, I particularly enjoy working with individuals (teens through adults of all ages) who are interested in uncovering their truth. There are so many reasons why people lose connection to their own identity, their needs, goals, and strengths. Whether that is due to mental illness, addiction, codependency, trauma, abuse, grief, chronic pain, conflicting societal pressures or rules, something else or all of the above, there is a way to work through it. You are not alone, and you are capable of the change you seek.

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