Anxiety Insights
ME Portrait of Matthew Esselstrom

Matthew Esselstrom, LMFT

Calm, practical support for everyday challenges

22 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Matthew

Matthew Esselstrom is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 22 years of experience. He focuses on helping people cope with stress, anxiety, relationships, anger, and motivation. He approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

Matthew adapts conversations and plans to fit what each person needs. He listens for practical problems and looks for small steps that can change day-to-day life. He helps clients build confidence, manage mood changes, and face life transitions with clearer choices.

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Background and approach

His background includes long-term clinical work with a wide range of concerns. That experience informs how he supports people who struggle with addiction, grief, trauma, or issues around intimacy and self-esteem. He also brings experience working with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and caregiving stress when they affect daily functioning.

Matthew uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to individual goals. Sessions typically focus on what is most pressing and on skills people can use between meetings. He aims to make therapy practical and understandable rather than clinical or confusing.

Clients who look for a steady, respectful guide may find his style helpful. He emphasizes collaboration and practical problem solving. Matthew frames progress as gradual steps toward a more manageable life.

Approaches and online options for flexible care

Matthew uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that emphasize practical problem solving and coping skills. One common approach focuses on teaching concrete coping and behavior skills to reduce anxiety and manage stress; this helps with daily routines, sleep, and panic reactions. Another approach centers on improving relationship patterns and communication to address intimacy, conflict, and commitment issues; it looks at how interactions shape feelings and choices and practices new ways of relating.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Matthew will collaborate with each person to try different techniques and see what fits best with their goals and life situation. He adjusts plans as progress is made and as priorities change.

Online therapy can make regular sessions easier to fit into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when meeting in person isn’t possible. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or when a quicker check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging offer brief, ongoing support between meetings and can help maintain momentum when schedules are tight. These options aim to increase flexibility and accessibility while keeping the focus on practical, goal-oriented work.
Book with Matthew Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Matthew commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and anger issues, as well as self-esteem, motivation, and coping with life changes. His practice also includes addiction, trauma, grief, eating and sleeping problems, and mood disorders such as bipolar and depression.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Matthew focuses on practical conversations and skill building. He tailors sessions to each person's needs and emphasizes small, actionable steps between visits.
What is his professional background?
He has 22 years of professional work experience supporting people with a broad range of emotional and behavioral concerns. That experience guides how he structures treatment and supports change.
What credentials and location are listed?
Matthew is a licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT - practicing in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does pricing and starting therapy work?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Experience
22 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

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