Matthew Cook

About

Therapy works when it is honest and specific; it stalls when it is polite and vague. I run an honest, specific practice, and clients can tell within the first hour. Distractibility is not a moral failing, and I treat it as the neurological reality it is. We also work on professional identity, because after years of compensating, many clients no longer know which parts of their work style are theirs and which are armor. Bring your ambivalence; a decision made with open eyes beats enthusiasm that evaporates by Thursday. I am frank without being harsh, and clients seem to find that combination rare enough to mention. I spent a stretch in administration and returned to clinical work because the meetings were fine but the people were missing. That choice tells you most of what you need to know about me. If crisp and candid sounds right, I am easy to reach.