Background & Education
With nearly two decades of experience in the mental health field, Matthew Verlander brings insight, intentionality, and a steady presence to the counseling relationship. Since beginning work in the field in 2005 and earning licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2014, he has served children, teens, adults, and caregivers across a variety of settings.
Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Gardner-Webb University and later completed a Master of Social Work at Radford University. Over the past 20 years, he has held diverse roles within the mental health field, gaining broad clinical experience that informs his thoughtful and grounded approach to therapy.
Areas of Focus
While not identifying a single specialty, he has worked extensively with:Children and adolescentsAdults (particularly ages 18–50)Caregivers and familiesHe supports individuals navigating relational challenges, emotional regulation concerns, and personal growth work. Clients seeking support for childhood wounds, current stressors, or interpersonal struggles will find a steady and compassionate guide in the process.
Intentional, Relational, and Insight-Driven Care
Intentionality shapes everything Matthew does, both personally and professionally. With an easy-going personality and genuine care for people, he creates a therapeutic environment that is relaxed yet focused.
Matthew’s work is grounded in a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy. He believes therapy should be paced by the client and that healing happens in the therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is not designed to be rigid or rushed. Whether working with an adult or supporting a parent and child, Matthew takes time to build trust, explore strengths, and create a safe space for growth.
Matthew is passionate about helping individuals better understand themselves, the strengths, the struggles, and everything in between. He believes truly knowing ourselves can be transformational as we allow those we are in relationship with to know us more deeply. By addressing past wounds or present challenges, Matthew supports clients as they work toward rebuilding trust, strengthening emotional regulation, and fostering meaningful change.
Matthew utilizes evidence-based approaches including Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Because of the emphasis on relationship work in his practice, he also incorporates relational and experiential techniques when appropriate.
Matthew offers both in-person and telehealth sessions to meet client needs.
Matthew’s work is grounded in a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy. He believes therapy should be paced by the client and that healing happens in the therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is not designed to be rigid or rushed. Whether working with an adult or supporting a parent and child, Matthew takes time to build trust, explore strengths, and create a safe space for growth.
Matthew is passionate about helping individuals better understand themselves, the strengths, the struggles, and everything in between. He believes truly knowing ourselves can be transformational as we allow those we are in relationship with to know us more deeply. By addressing past wounds or present challenges, Matthew supports clients as they work toward rebuilding trust, strengthening emotional regulation, and fostering meaningful change.
Matthew utilizes evidence-based approaches including Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Because of the emphasis on relationship work in his practice, he also incorporates relational and experiential techniques when appropriate.
Matthew offers both in-person and telehealth sessions to meet client needs.
Start Your Journey Today!
Matthew is in the office for counseling on the following:
Monday: 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am-5 pm
Thursday: 9 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-3pm
Address
966 West Main Street Suite #1 Abingdon, VA 24210 Abingdon VA 24210 US
Phone
276-207-8105