- Family of origin issues
- CBT and DBT methods
- LGBT support
About Matthew
Matthew Dugan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina with 23 years of experience. He works with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and family concerns including family of origin issues. He also supports people facing bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and challenges related to gender and sexual identity.
He uses practical, talk-based work grounded in Client-Centered Therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Sessions include clear goal-setting, skill practice, and attention to patterns that come from earlier family life. He draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy and EMDR for people coping with intense emotional states or trauma symptoms. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are used to support change and coping.
Matthew has worked extensively with people who experience substance use problems and with those navigating abuse, domestic violence, divorce, and abandonment themes. He integrates techniques aimed at reducing distress and improving day-to-day functioning. Conversations focus on what feels most pressing and on developing tools to manage emotions and relationships.
He is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and includes that perspective when clients bring coming-out, gender dysphoria, or identity-related concerns into sessions. He also addresses communication problems, codependency, commitment issues, and feelings of emptiness.
Practical steps in his work include building coping strategies, practicing new ways of relating, and using evidence-informed methods to reduce symptoms. People who want to start are asked to follow the service's online matching and scheduling process to arrange an initial session.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and on helping people find their own answers. In online sessions this may look like reflective conversation, clarifying values, and setting personal goals to address family patterns and relationship concerns.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. Online CBT often uses structured conversations, worksheets, and homework to practice skills between meetings, which can suit people wanting clear steps to change anxiety or mood symptoms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. In remote sessions this can include coaching on specific skills, role practice, and short check-ins to track use of skills in daily life.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk through goals, symptoms, and preferences and recommend starting methods accordingly. That decision is collaborative and may change as therapy progresses.
Session formats should be confirmed before booking. The profile details suggest use of message counseling and live sessions in some settings, but readers should check current options. Practical benefits of online work include easier scheduling around work or caregiving, the ability to fit shorter check-ins into a busy day, and using written worksheets or exercises between meetings to reinforce progress.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family problems, grief, and issues tied to family of origin.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a practical, talk-focused approach that emphasizes goal setting, skills practice, and looking at patterns from family life.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 23 years of counseling experience working in behavioral health and addiction settings.
What credentials and location apply?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in South Carolina.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees handled?
Fees vary with location and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.