Matt Lawson, MA, NCC, LPC
Community Ambassador and Social Media Strategist
Healthy Lifestyle Creation Therapist
eSports and Video Game Addiction Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor
Hi, I'm Matt. I help people achieve optimal health.
Do you ever find yourself wondering, "Is this is the best version of me?" Even if you had a good idea of what the best version of yourself looked like, do you know the path to get there?
I have worked with hundreds of individuals over three decades that have come to me looking for answers to these questions. As a therapist, I leverage the experience I have developed over the years to help people remove roadblocks toward a more intentional life.
Therapy is a second career for me, making the transition from personal training and the fitness world to focus more on mental health. Having been a trainer for a little over fifteen years, I developed an appreciation for mindful-based and holistically inclusive approaches to counseling.
I am eager to hear the unique story every person that walks through my door has to share. I believe that we all have a narrative that we have been following our entire lives, and there is something to the way we see ourselves in that story and how we get to the next chapter.
In collaboration with me, we will work toward editing that story in a way that better aligns with the life you want to live. Book your intake consultation with me by clicking on this link, or email [email protected].
On Being a Counselor
I believe people are amazingly resourceful when it comes to dealing with disruptions in their lives, but sometimes the ways we cope work against the things we want. You may find yourself repeating patterns with alcohol use, excessive video gameplay, and overindulgence with food that provides momentary relief but results in feelings of shame.
I utilize proven strategies that draw from various therapeutic modalities we will work toward achieving your goals. I am passionate about supporting people who want healthier, more balanced lifestyles and providing the tools and strategies that allow them to make that happen.
Practitioner Background
I went back to school when I recognized that the personal training clients I was working with could benefit from a deeper level of support. I saw people that were struggling in their lives because of their relationships with food and alcohol, which they were using to cope with other issues. From this, I developed a philosophy that draws from these experiences to help people find a better balance in their lives. I believe that anyone can change when they are given the correct strategies with proper support.
I continue to be inspired by individuals looking to improve their lives. Therapy has allowed me to be a part of that process and provide support in critical areas that help others break through barriers toward the improvement they want for themselves. I also offer goal-oriented coaching to help people create the lives they want to live.
You can create the life you want to live. Reach out today to get started. Book your intake consultation with me by clicking on this link, or email [email protected].
More About Matt
Key Philosophical Beliefs
- You deserve transparency and collaboration throughout the counseling process.
- You can achieve a healthy balance with video gaming and eSports.
- Men can achieve optimal health by integrating strategic support.
- Significant others of alcohol abusers can mobilize strategic support.
- The body speaks through pain and illness to reveal opportunities to heal.
Counseling Training
- Master's in Counseling (MA), Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL
- Nationally-Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- National Sports and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer
Specializations and Experience
- Men's wellness
- Problem gaming behavior
- Video game addiction
- eSports performance improvement
- Disordered eating and binge-eating disorder
- Healthy lifestyle creation
- Anxiety management and recovery
- Mood disorder management
- Group facilitation
- Anxiety management and recovery
- Public speaking and training
- Accountability coaching
Matt as a Person
I was born in Chicago, but spent my childhood in different parts of the country. After putting myself through college working in healthcare (anesthesiology technician, emergency room support staff, and pharmaceutical sales) I moved back to Chicago, where I started my personal training business. I'm a big fan of the city and the Chicago Bears!
My interest in photography brings me into contact with the people and architecture that make Chicago so vibrant. I love visual arts, and when I'm not at the gym, you might find me wandering the halls of the Art Institute and independent galleries around town.
When I'm not enjoying the fantastic restaurants and café scene, I enjoy time outside of the city with my wife and daughter hiking and camping.
If I weren't a therapist, I would be a travel writer who road around on boats sharing my family's adventures worldwide.
