Matt Riley, LMSW :: Associate Therapist
Clinical Degree: University of Texas at Austin, Clinical Social Work
Prepare/Enrich Certified: Yes
Available: Weekdays, weekday evenings, weekends
Fees: $170/50-minute session; $255/90-minute session
Supervised by: Lindsey Hoskins
Contact: Email [email protected] Phone 703-951-6409
Clinical Special Interests:
My Background:
Before becoming a therapist, I spent time living and working in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Berlin, Germany; and Southern China, doing everything from campaign strategy to investigative journalism and speechwriting for a U.S. Ambassador. I spent six months in Buddhist temples, meditating, photographing monks, and leading meditation retreats. My eclectic experiences give me unique and unorthodox insights when helping my clients.
Curiosity has always been my core guiding value. After seeing the positive impact of therapy on my own life, I left my career as an investigative reporter behind and earned my MSSW at the University of Texas at Austin.
My work experience in the mental health field includes counseling with senior adults, adults in an in-patient psychiatric hospital, and members of the Jewish community. Since graduating, I’ve co-authored a therapy manual with a former professor for the American Psychological Association, and I’m currently writing a second book for the Oxford University Press.
I enjoy trail running with my pup Ruby, skiing (when there’s enough snow!), weight-lifting, photography, and good conversation with friends while cooking dinner or sitting by a campfire.
Clinical Expertise
Life’s struggles can be overwhelming. In the overwhelm, we lose perspective and see the world through tunnel vision. Before long, we’re often lost in our maladaptive patterns. This can look like spiraling into road rage on the commute home, all-encompassing emotional numbness while arguing with our partner, or simply running away from all of our problems. Without a change of perspective and intentional action, the cycle often repeats itself. My goal as a therapist is to help clients learn to ground themselves, gain perspective, and then take the necessary actions to change.
Life is hard, and these frustrations often get in the way of loving our partners. As your therapist, I will help you and your partner learn to ground with each other through mindfulness, meditation, and visualization exercises. I will guide you in defining your values and discovering meaning in the struggles you face. Rather than focusing entirely on the problems you’re facing, I will support you in finding solutions and hope.
Therapy is challenging yet soul-giving work. My innate curiosity, perceptiveness, warmth, and sense of humor all support my clients as they weather their challenges. Together, we can work not just to overcome your challenges—but to use them as stepping stones in walking toward a life of thriving and abundance.
