Matthew Poje

Matthew Poje, LPCC, is a clinician in California who focuses on trauma and related struggles. He helps people facing trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue. He also offers support around fatherhood challenges, first responder stress, veteran and armed forces issues, and post-traumatic stress. Matthew brings two decades of professional experience to sessions.

Matthew uses Trauma-Focused Therapy alongside motivational interviewing to guide treatment. He describes trauma work that relies on a method called Instinctual Trauma Response, which emphasizes practical steps drawn from neuroscience. In sessions he teaches specific steps clients can practice to build resilience. He notes that this approach is more directive than traditional talk therapy.

Matthew’s background includes long-term work with veterans through Department of Defense contracts. He holds licensure as an LPCC and as an LPC in Wisconsin. He is based in California and conducts work in English. He does not perform diagnostic testing and does not provide letters for employers or courts.

Before scheduling, Matthew asks prospective clients to watch an introductory ITR video so they know what to expect. To begin the process he asks people to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule according to the available times.

His presentation aims to be straightforward and skills-oriented, with practical steps a person can use between sessions.

How Matthew uses trauma-focused and motivational approaches online

Trauma-Focused Therapy is an approach that focuses directly on the effects of traumatic events. It breaks trauma into manageable steps and teaches practical skills to reduce symptoms and increase resilience. This approach can help people who feel stuck by past events and want concrete strategies to move forward.

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative way to explore readiness for change. It helps people clarify goals, resolve mixed feelings, and find personal reasons to take action. This approach works well when someone is weighing change around behaviors such as substance use or lifestyle shifts.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Matthew will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest whether Trauma-Focused Therapy, motivational interviewing, or a mix makes the most sense. He treats this as a collaborative decision and adapts the plan as progress is made.

Because the original profile does not list specific online formats, confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also allow sessions without being on camera if someone prefers a phone conversation. Ask about available formats when you schedule so sessions match your routine and needs.