About Mateo Anderson

Mateo Anderson – My Journey Towards Counseling

My journey toward becoming a counselor has in some ways been surprising, even to me. I have always wanted to be involved in the healing professions, a deep-seated desire that developed after realizing the impact my grandfather had as a physician. For a time, working with others toward bodily healing captured my interest, spurred by the impact healthcare workers had on my family members and me. This ultimately led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in exercise science as part of my path toward becoming a physical therapist. However, as I pursued this coursework, I began to feel restless, and I pursued additional studies in music, philosophy, theology, and especially psychology.

It was in these studies that my interest in helping others achieve bodily health was eclipsed by my interest in people's inner workings. Inspired by an excellent psychology professor, I learned over a few years that therapy would be an intersection for my intellectual interests, my education and training, and my deep desire to help others move toward greater flourishing. As a counselor, it is a blessing and an honor to accompany others toward healing and flourishing. I hope you will give me the chance to be a part of your story!

 
 

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My Area Of Expertise

I see young adults and adults who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, especially family and relational trauma, as well as life transitions, identity exploration and formation, difficulties with emotional regulation, grief, and sport/performance-related stress and/or distress. Additionally, I see couples who have experienced or are experiencing difficulty communicating, recurring conflicts, and disconnection. When working in session, I draw on AEDP, Relational Psychodynamic Theory, and Emotion Focused Couples Therapy while framing the work through the lenses of attachment theory, systems theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and parts work.

How I Approach Therapy

Therapy is about a relationship. I work to contribute to our therapeutic relationship so we can have an authentic encounter. It is in this authentic encounter that we work to grow in understanding, facilitate transformative experiences, and deepen flourishing. It is part of my contribution to the therapy to incorporate both psychological and physiological processes, as therapy should recognize that you are a whole person, which is greater than the sum of the parts. I also work to bring God into the therapy in a way that respects your own relationship with Him, whatever that means to you.

What is Unique About How I Approach Counseling

My goal is to show up authentically when we are in the therapy room together. When that happens, I bring various parts of myself to the therapy. Some of my personal roles include being a son, brother, husband, and father, while professionally, I bring experience as a speaker, healthcare worker, researcher, and scholar. In addition to drawing on my training, expertise, and these roles, I also tap into my experiences as a Christian, growing up in a multi-ethnic home and family, and others. All of this influences who you get when you choose to invest in therapy with me.

What I Am Like Outside Of The Office

Outside of the office, I value time with my wife, daughter, family, and friends very much. I care deeply about those who I hold dear, and often create space for those relationships as much as possible, especially if deep discussion or flavorful fare are involved. I read regularly, just as much to learn as to enjoy a great story. I enjoy regular movement in nearly any form, as well as friendly competition. I make space for regularly encountering beauty, especially in nature, at the symphony, or in the perfect cup of coffee.

Education

  • BS in Exercise Science - University of Kansas

  • MA in Counseling, Marriage, Couple, and Family Emphasis - MidAmerica Nazarene University

Training/Licenses

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, Kansas)

  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)