about matt
matthew dewit
lcsw
"I believe in meeting you where you’re at and providing you the calm and safe space, devoid of any judgment, to build a better relationship with yourself."
What is your Educational background & work experience?
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Advertising (2006) and a master’s in Social Work (2013) from San Jose State University in California. I am clinically licensed in Texas as a licensed clinical social worker and in Ohio as a licensed independent social worker
My past work experience includes working in schools, the VA, residential mental health, hospitals and within both large and small group practices
What interests you about substance use?
There’s a variety of interests, including how it can effect people uniquely, how we manage any effects and how substance use is viewed through the lens of society.
Throughout my career, I have chosen to utilize the Harm Reduction perspective when working with substance use. I believe that any use a person may engage in should be seen as your “relationship” with that substance. Remembering that it’s your call to make any changes within that relationship.
I enjoy collaborating with clients to sort through their substance use, exploring their feelings or concerns and supporting any desired adjustments.
What other areas of expertise do you have?
My time living and working in San Francisco allowed me to work with a number of residential mental health facilities conducting groups, crisis deescalation, facilitating case management and providing linkage to community resources.
The medical world is also a personal love of mine, having balanced the socially related medical and mental health concerns of patients in a number of settings.
As a gay man, I am also knowledgeable of the intricacies of that culture and how it may be impacted by mental health and substance use.
What is your approach to therapy?
My background with therapy draws heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Mindfulness. I believe in meeting you where you’re at and providing you the calm and safe space, devoid of any judgment, to build a better relationship with yourself.
I see myself as an authentic, honest and objective partner in therapy. It’s important for my clients to know that they are the driver in our time together, and I’m your co-pilot, ready to hear any concern, however large or small.
Ok...how about some random facts about yourself...
I’ve had the privilege of being raised on a dairy farm that my family continues to operate. This aspect of my life has instilled a deep desire to work hard and help when I can. I still head home to California annually and walk through the corn fields or milk some cows.
From 2006-2008 I lived in a jungle hut on a small island named Tanna in the Republic of Vanuatu as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I’ve never read so many books or enjoyed so many cold showers. It was a true blessing to experience the culture and hospitality of my fellow villagers.