Welcome. I’m Matt Case and I’ve been a counselor for over 20 years. I have had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life to help them navigate personal struggles and move forward in meaningful ways. Currently, I work with adults in the Chapel Hill-Durham area, offering in-person and virtual sessions for individuals and groups.
My Approach
At the heart of good therapy is learning to get along with ourselves and others. Let’s face it: we all must find effective-enough ways to relate to the distressing thoughts and feelings that are a natural part of being human. When we learn to do this well, we can move forward with greater freedom, pursuing what truly matters to us and engaging in healthy, meaningful relationships.
Many of us have been taught that the best way to handle distress is to control or avoid it; but this often creates more problems. The real challenge — and this is my invitation to you — is to make room for those difficult feelings, to be willing to experience them, while also taking actions that create the life you want.
Sound hard? It can be. But think of it like getting tight muscles worked on — it may be uncomfortable at first, but afterward, you’ll feel more relaxed and able to move freely in your life.
My training is primarily in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Group Psychotherapy, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. I strive to create a warm, accepting, and transparent environment that’s tailored to your personal style, strengths, and aspirations. Some people appreciate structure and tasks, while others are looking for a space to be heard and discover new perspective, for examples. We will work together to find what suits you best.
I’m a strong believer in the power of groups, and I’m expanding my group offerings in 2025. In group therapy, we learn that we are not alone in our struggles. It’s also a place to practice healthy relationships: listening, sharing, and learning how to have difficult conversations. If you’re interested in a group but don’t see one that fits your schedule or needs, let me know — I might be able to add one that works for you, or direct you to another group in town.
Finding a Therapist
Finding the right therapist is a deeply personal decision, and you can’t truly know if someone is a good fit just from a website. It’s only when you meet in person that you can start to get a sense of whether the connection feels right. I encourage everyone seeking therapy to talk to a few therapists before deciding. If we meet for one session and it doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, there will be no charge, and I’ll be happy to recommend other therapists who might be a better match. I’m confident in my abilities, but it’s ultimately up to you to decide if I’m the right therapist for you.
Cultural Humility
I recognize that many people from marginalized communities have experienced trauma within healthcare systems and in the presence professional clinicians. Culture, race, class, gender, and sexual orientation are integral elements that shape who we are, especially in today’s deeply divided world. In therapy, it’s just as important to feel free to talk about our differences as it is to explore our shared experiences. I welcome these conversations and do my best, as a straight, white male, to understand your experience as much as I can — and to hear you when you tell me I am not.
2021 interview about equine-assisted psychotherapy
Insurance, Payment and Sliding Fees
I’m deeply concerned about the state of our healthcare system, and I strive to make quality care accessible to everyone. I offer some sliding scale slots, as well asl pro bono slots through the Pro Bono Counseling Network, and I accept the following insurance plans:
- BCBS of North Carolina (most plans)
- Aetna
- CIGNA
- Medicare
- MedCost
Locations
I see people online, at my office in Chapel Hill, and at a farm west of Chapel Hill, where we can meet inside or outside, or even go for a walk — many people find that being in nature helps them relax and settle into their story.
The best way to reach me is via email, or if you prefer, telephone. Check to see if if I have openings for individual or group sessions, and if I do (and the time works for you), then we can have a 15-minute phone call, and arrange our first session.
Whether we work together or not, I wish you all the best in your journey.
Sincerely,
Matt
