Sci-Fi
Superheroes
Self-care
Welcome
We offer counseling services that utilize pop culture and familiar stories to help our clients overcome their mental health challenges. Gamification of mental health can have a significant impact on therapy outcomes, and we incorporate this approach into our counseling techniques. We're here to provide a safe space for our clients to explore their emotions and learn new coping strategies.
The Misfit Mission
Our mission is to guide individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We believe in the power of narrative and the language of geek culture to inspire and heal. Through tailored interventions and thoughtful exploration, we aim to help individuals 'level up' in their lives, unlocking their full potential and embracing their unique heroic narratives. Our commitment is to create a safe and inclusive space where every geek can find solace, connection, and the tools to embark on a profound journey of self-improvement.
Hi, I'm Matthew.
Matthew, Son of John. Whispers Bard. Jedi Consular. Member of the Bad Batch. Druid of the Emerald Enclave. Slayer of Gow- oh sorry, I got carried away.
I've always loved stories. Amid a difficult home life, I found friends on Babylon 5. I learned to make moral choices from Star Trek. I found adventure in Star Wars. To escape my life challenges, I imagined a phone booth that could take me anywhere (Doctor Who or Bill and Take - take your pick).
I've written my way through stories - some more fantastical than others - and through it I realized that these all reflect the human condition.
My Qualifications
M.A. Counseling
Completion of a 60-hour mental health Masters Degree focusing on family relationships, neurodivergence, and spirituality (and half of an D.Min during this time as well)
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Geek Therapeutics
Completion of over 80 hours of training in evidence-based "geeky" inventions including using gaming, anime, and other pop culture references in therapy.
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Speaker / Author
I'm passionate being more than a consumer of geek culture; I've written books and short stories, spoken on "Sci-Fi, Superheroes, and Spirituality," and have several projects in process.​
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TA-RPG Training
Working with Game to Grow, Geek Therapeutics, and books like this, I've studied and practiced ways to utilize tabletop RPGs (like Dungeons and Dragons) in therapy
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Who Do I Help?
How do I help?
Therapy tailored to you
Trauma Informed
Helping you feel safe again...
Misfit Refuge Counseling provides compassionate and effective counseling to those impacted by religious and spiritual trauma. Our trauma-informed care approach focuses on empowering individuals to find their own unique path to healing. I am trained and experienced in working with complex trauma and use the latest evidence-based practices to support your journey. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can heal and thrive.
Goal-Oriented
Empowering YOUR purpose
At Misfit Refuge Counseling, we take a goal-oriented therapeutic approach to help clients recover from religious or spiritual abuse. Our focus is not only to heal wounds but to set achievable personal goals that empower our clients to move forward and regain control over their lives. Our compassionate therapists provide a safe haven for clients to explore the impact of their past experiences on their current lives, and guide them towards a brighter future.
Holistic Support
Mind | Body | Soul
At Misfit Refuge Counseling, we believe in holistic counseling that addresses all aspects of the individual - mind, body, and spirit. This allows us to help our clients work through the often complex and difficult issues surrounding religious / spiritual trauma. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their experiences and feelings without judgment or shame. We use evidence-based practices and a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help clients achieve their goals.
Strength-Based
You are the best "you"
At Misfit Refuge Counseling, we believe everyone has unique strengths that can help them find their footing and navigate through life’s challenges. Our mission is to help our clients bring these strengths to the forefront and use them to accomplish their goals. Strength-based counseling emphasizes your characteristics and attributes that can be used to overcome obstacles. I am passionate about empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.
The "Process"
Trauma isn't something you heal "from," it's something you heal "through." This process isn't linear, but rather a model that will guide what you need with each step of your journey.
01
ASSESSEMENT
Working with insurnace (if needed) we work together to uncover the wounds you're received and determine their effects.
02
GOAL-SETTING
Tgoether we will work to find what we want your new story to look like and we'll set some goals to help guide our next steps.
03
STRENGTHS
Rather than diving into the mess, it helps to know what we have. We'll work to identify values, strengths, and uniqueness.
04
OBSTACLES
Mental health symptoms, trauma, and limitations are just simply obstacles that can be overcome.
05
PARTS-ORIENTED WORK
As we journey, you'll find that you have parts that protect you on this journey. We'll work on hearing those parts and work with them to help us more effectively
06
SOMATIC WORK
Trauma stores in the body, which means we need to work on identifying where this is held and how wecan help release it with physical experiencing activities.
07
PSYCHOEDUCATION
Part of the healing process is knowing the effects of trauma, how it colors our relationships, and how we can help.
08
NEW LIFE
I can't guarantee how long this will take, but our goal is to get to a point where you will find the a new life and new way of thinking - and hopefully a sense of your purpose.
Next Steps
Count down from 5 ... then reach out
If you feel like this is part of your story, please reach out and schedule a consultation. We can answer questions about insurance, the treatment process, and help with any reluctance you might be feeling.
