Business Details
9 Years
experience
Experienced Psychotherapy Services in San Luis Obispo
As a board-certified bariatric counselor and licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate emotional and psychological challenges. My practice integrates evidence-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and somatic experiencing, tailored to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and bariatric-related mental health concerns.With a holistic approach that considers physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, I empower clients to move beyond survival toward meaningful, self-defined lives. My international experience and academic background, including a Psy.D. and LCSW certification, inform my culturally competent care. I specialize in pre- and post-operative bariatric counseling, stress management, and treating compulsive eating disorders, offering both in-person and teletherapy sessions.
Services
Bariatric Counseling
Anxiety Treatment
Trauma Recovery
Stress Management
Depression Therapy
Grief Counseling
Compulsive Eating Treatment
Teletherapy Sessions
Pre-Operative Evaluations
Post-Operative Support
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of clinical experience in mental health.
- Our team includes a certified bariatric counselor with international recognition.
- We employ evidence-based therapies tailored to individual needs.
- Our holistic approach integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- We provide culturally competent care informed by global experience.
Associations and certifications
- American Board Certified Bariatric Counselor
- Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
- California Society for Clinical Social Work
Services
Bariatric Counseling
Specialized counseling for pre- and post-operative bariatric patients addresses emotional challenges, fosters self-compassion, and prevents weight regain. Techniques include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness training. Clients learn sustainable coping strategies aligned with long-term health goals.
Trauma Recovery
Somatic Experiencing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy help clients process trauma stored in the body. Focus areas include healing shame, managing anxiety, and rebuilding self-identity through evidence-based interventions tailored to individual resilience.
Anxiety Treatment
Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and behavioral techniques target anxiety triggers. Clients develop coping skills to reduce symptoms, improve relationships, and align daily choices with personal values for lasting relief.
Grief Counseling
Holistic approaches address grief from loss of health, relationships, or identity. Mindfulness and creative techniques like role-playing help clients navigate emotional pain and rediscover purpose after bereavement.
Teletherapy Sessions
Secure virtual sessions provide accessible mental health care for clients in diverse locations. Teletherapy maintains the same evidence-based methodologies as in-person visits, ensuring continuity of care and flexibility for busy schedules.
People
Michelle Matoff, Psy D, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Dr. Michelle Matoff, Psy D, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with a Psy.D. and 25+ years of experience treating anxiety, trauma, and bariatric mental health. She specializes in integrative therapies and has taught health psychology courses globally.
Questions
What mental health services do you specialize in?
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, bariatric counseling, compulsive eating treatment, and grief therapy using evidence-based approaches like ACT and DBT.
Do you offer teletherapy options?
Yes, teletherapy is available for clients who prefer virtual sessions or require flexibility due to location or scheduling constraints.
Are you certified in bariatric counseling?
Yes, I am a board-certified bariatric counselor with the American Bariatric Advisory Board, providing pre- and post-operative support for weight loss surgery patients.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and psychodynamic techniques tailored to each client's unique needs.
How do you address cultural competency?
My experience living and working in the USA, UK, Brazil, and Australia informs culturally sensitive care that respects diverse backgrounds and identities.
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