Therapist profile
Matthew Esselstrom, LMFT
California
California LMFT - Anger and Relationships
Continue with MatthewKey details
- CredentialsLMFT
- LicenseLMFT, California / 37943
- NPI1316006356
- Experience22 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationCalifornia
About
- Stress and anxiety
- Anger management
- Relationship skills
About Matthew
Matthew Esselstrom is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 22 years of professional experience. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship strain, anger, motivation, and self-esteem. Sessions address practical problems that show up at home, work, and in close relationships.
He focuses on clear, direct conversation about what is getting in the way day to day. Matthew adapts the pace and topics to what the person brings. He helps people identify triggers, practice different responses, and build routines that reduce repeated flare-ups of anger or anxiety.
Background work draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address trauma, addiction, grief, and mood concerns such as depression and bipolar. He also supports people facing parenting pressures, caregiving stress, and major life changes like separation or career shifts. Issues connected to attachment, abandonment, and codependency are part of his caseload.
Matthew pays attention to the interaction patterns that keep problems cycling. Sessions often include real-life problem solving, communication skills, and short practices to try between meetings. He encourages honest feedback about what is or isn't helping so plans can shift quickly.
People who come for help with anger often want tangible strategies and straightforward guidance. He works with LGBT clients and those dealing with substance issues, sleep or eating problems, and attention differences. Matthew holds discussions in English and practices from his California base.
How sessions work
How evidence-based methods translate to online work
Matthew uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. Cognitive behavioral approaches help identify unhelpful thought patterns and test new ways of responding to stress and anger. These methods are useful for anxiety, depression, and anger that shows up in daily life.He also draws on approaches that address interpersonal patterns and attachment issues. These techniques look at how communication styles and past relationship experiences shape current reactions, which can help with intimacy, commitment, and family-related concerns.
Deciding which approach to use is collaborative. The therapist will work with the client to match techniques to current goals, whether that is reducing snap reactions, improving workplace coping, or managing mood swings. Plans are adjusted based on what proves helpful in practice.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, shorten travel time, or allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Licensed professionals often use digital work to keep continuity between meetings and to try real-world changes between sessions.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, anger, self-esteem, motivation, trauma, addiction, grief, mood conditions, and related issues listed in his profile.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is practical and conversational. He focuses on identifying triggers, changing interaction patterns, and practicing skills between sessions.
How much experience does this therapist have?
He has 22 years of professional experience working with adults on a range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a California LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and practices from California.
Can I work with him if I am not in the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription 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.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.