Matthew Esselstrom, LMFT - Therapist in California

Stress and anxiety
Relationship support
Practical coping skills

About Matthew

Matthew Esselstrom is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 22 years of professional experience. Matthew approaches people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. He focuses on helping individuals who are facing stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, anger, self-esteem struggles, motivation challenges, and other life changes.

Matthew tailors conversations and treatment plans to each person's situation. He aims to make sessions practical and straightforward. That can mean setting small goals, practicing coping skills, or talking through patterns that keep problems stuck.

Over two decades of work have included addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy concerns, sleep and eating problems, and mood conditions such as depression and bipolar. He also addresses ADHD, compassion fatigue, LGBTQ concerns, parenting strain, and career-related stress. Additional areas of focus include abandonment, attachment issues, caregiver stress, blended family challenges, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster.

Sessions are presented in a calm, supportive manner that encourages honest conversation. Matthew tries to help people build confidence and stronger day-to-day coping. He works with each person to identify practical steps that fit their life and goals.

If you want a straightforward conversational approach that adapts to your needs, Matthew offers an experienced and steady presence to help you move forward.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that adapt to your needs

Matthew uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and focuses on approaches that produce clear, practical steps. One common approach is brief skills work that teaches coping tools for stress and anxiety, such as grounding, breathing, and behavior changes to reduce worry and overwhelm. This helps people manage day-to-day symptoms and regain steadier functioning. Another frequent focus is problem-focused work for relationships and communication, which looks at patterns of interaction and practices new ways of relating to improve connection and reduce conflict.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Matthew will work collaboratively to identify which methods fit your goals, preferences, and current needs. He adapts plans over time so the work stays relevant and practical for your life.

Confirm the session formats available before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Online care can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and offer more flexibility around work or family commitments. It also allows for a quieter or shorter check-in when that suits your needs. Licensed professionals and therapists can use online options to keep therapy consistent with everyday life while focusing on the same goals they would address in person.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteem Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Experience

22+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Matthew helps with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, self-esteem, motivation, addiction, trauma, grief, mood concerns such as depression and bipolar, ADHD, and related life challenges.

How does he approach therapy and sessions?

He uses a practical, conversational style and tailors treatment to each person. Sessions often focus on small goals, coping skills, and changing unhelpful patterns.

What is his professional background?

He has 22 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns, including addiction, parenting strain, intimacy issues, and trauma.

Where is Matthew licensed and based?

He is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.