Matthew Gerstacker is a Therapist based in the USA. My areas of speciality include Addiction, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Borderline Personality, Chronic Relapse, Emotional Disturbance, Life Transitions, Peer Relationships, Self Esteem, and Spirituality. This profile is currently unclaimed; please validate the details are current when communicating with the mental health professional.
Therapist Overview
Each individual in the therapeutic alliance is the ideal client for one simple reason – we are each uniquely in a rut, stuck, or confused. To this end imagine being in a pit of quicksand without any sense of direction, worth, or hope. People will walk by and offer advice on how to get out. Others might provide a utensil or medication. Yet none of these address the immediate situation of being in the pit of quicksand. My experience has taught me that clients want someone who will get in the pit with them, without question or judgement. They just do not want to be stuck alone. So I offer to sit with them and just be present. Being present with a client, regardless of situation and without judgement is the largest point of service and support I provide. My foundational theoretical approach allows for challenging of thoughts, but never judgement. My role is not to point out deficiencies, but serve as a confidant and supporter. Being empathetic to the pains and joys of others is difficult. At times clients may perceive no one will understand, so we do not reach out. This approach is useful because it protects us from more hurt. It is this up and down journey that makes the process of counseling such a rewarding experience. Thus I invite you to reach out and begin your journey.