- CBT tools
- DBT skills
- EMDR options
About Matthew
Matthew Dugan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina with 23 years of experience. He works with people dealing with anger, stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma and related concerns. Matthew also supports clients facing relationship strain, grief, issues of intimacy and challenges tied to sexual and gender identity.
He uses clear, practical conversation to help people spot patterns that keep anger and resentment alive. Sessions often focus on skills for managing impulses, reducing reactivity, and improving communication. Matthew draws on cognitive behavioral tools and mindfulness exercises to change unhelpful thinking and interrupt the cycle that feeds outbursts.
When trauma or long-standing painful memories are involved, he may use eye movement desensitization and reprocessing techniques alongside trauma-informed care. Dialectical behavior therapy skills are included for distress tolerance and emotional regulation. Motivational interviewing is used when substance use and ambivalence about change appear.
Matthew describes his goal as helping people build a life they find worth living, one step at a time. He aims to reduce suffering by teaching concrete strategies clients can practice between sessions. He also brings experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community through coming out and identity-related stressors.
People who choose him should expect direct, skills-focused sessions that emphasize practical change. He combines longer-term work on patterns with short-term strategies for calming and problem solving in heated moments.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so the client can set their own goals; it helps people who need a supportive, clarifying environment to sort out anger and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the thoughts and behaviors that keep anger and resentment going, and it teaches specific exercises to test and change those habits. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides concrete skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, useful when strong reactions harm relationships.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Matthew will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their history, current problems, and what they want to achieve. That might mean combining CBT skill practice with DBT tools or adding trauma-focused techniques when needed.
Session format details should be confirmed before booking. Ask about which formats he currently offers and how they are scheduled. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is tight, and avoid travel time for evening or weekend appointments. The practical aim is to build skills and make them usable in everyday situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He supports people with anger, stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns among other issues.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses practical, skills-based work that focuses on managing reactivity, improving communication, and changing unhelpful thinking.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 23 years of experience working in behavioral health settings and with people who have complex needs.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LPC in South Carolina and practices there as a licensed professional counselor.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Will he work with clients outside the United States?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Fees vary with location and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin scheduling a session?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.