- Direct and practical
- Tools for daily life
- Trauma informed approach
About Donald
Donald Mattson is a licensed professional counselor with 20 years of experience helping adults who feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. He is known for a direct and practical style that aims to make everyday life easier. He writes about expressive arts and has a book on anxiety tools coming soon.
He focuses on anxiety, trauma and abuse, and related struggles like panic disorder and panic attacks. He also helps people wrestling with mood shifts, obsessive thoughts, guilt, shame, and feelings of emptiness or loneliness. First responder issues, caregiver stress, and midlife concerns are other areas he addresses.
Sessions are built around each person's needs. He uses straightforward methods from client-centered work and cognitive behavioral ideas to trauma-focused and solution-focused approaches. That means talking through what's getting in the way, trying small changes, and practicing tools that can be used that week.
Donald describes his style as honest and sometimes even playful. He looks for clear, real-world strategies to reduce anxiety and manage mood. Progress often starts with simple steps and practical skills that fit a person's daily routine.
He invites people to begin where they are and to work at a pace that feels manageable. The goal is to identify blocks, strengthen coping skills, and create plans that make life feel more steady over time.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding someone where they are; it helps people feel heard and supported while they figure out what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety and break unhelpful cycles. Trauma-Focused Therapy centers on reducing the impact of past traumatic events and building safety and coping strategies for day-to-day life.Finding the right approach is part of the work itself. The therapist will collaborate with each person to see which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences, and may combine techniques as progress unfolds.
Confirm the specific online session options before booking because the profile does not list formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten commute time, and allow for quick check-ins when a brief touchpoint helps. It can also let someone focus on skills practice between sessions and try tools in the context of their everyday routine. Many people find that starting with a plan and adjusting methods over a few sessions helps identify what works best.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Michigan, Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He focuses on stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse, and also works with related issues like panic disorder and panic attacks, mood disorders, obsessive thoughts, and feelings of emptiness or isolation.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His style is straightforward, practical, and occasionally playful. He emphasizes real-world tools and short-term strategies alongside deeper work as needed.
What is his background and experience?
He has 20 years of clinical experience working with adults on anxiety, trauma, stress, and mood challenges, and he has published work on expressive arts and anxiety tools.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds the LPC credential and is licensed in Michigan with MI LPC and WI LPC listed in his profile.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
What formats are used for sessions?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the profile does not specify which session formats are offered.
How are fees and payment arranged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability to begin the process.