Matt Fernandes, AMFT 156958
Supervised by Vicki L. Vinculado, LMFT 99478
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree in counseling and a passion for helping people feel heard, understood, and supported. My work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and affirming for LGBTQIA+ and diverse communities. I use a collaborative approach to therapy to work to meet you where you are. My experience includes supporting children (preschool to middle school), high school youth, adults, and seniors. I believe therapy should feel safe, validating, and empowering for everyone.
My Journey to Mental Healthcare
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade working in education, partnering with students, families, and school staff to help young people succeed both in and out of the classroom. I saw firsthand how emotional well-being impacts learning, relationships, and self-esteem, and I knew I wanted to be part of the deeper work of supporting people’s mental health. That path led me to pursue my Master’s in Counseling at San Francisco State University, and begin working with clients of all ages. I have experience working with preschoolers learning to name their feelings, to teens navigating identity and life transitions, to adults and seniors seeking growth, healing, or a fresh start. Today, I bring the patience, adaptability, and compassion I developed into every therapy session. My approach is grounded in empathy, cultural humility and collaboration, because I believe you are the expert in your own life and together we can uncover the tools and strategies that work best for you.
My Approach
My style is collaborative and compassionate. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and I’m here to help you tap into your resilience, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I tailor each session to your unique needs, drawing from evidence-based approaches that support growth, healing, and self-understanding. I often integrate:
Narrative Therapy
Person Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Play Therapy & Child-Centered Interventions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Processing Theory (CPT)
Mindfulness-Based Practices
Trauma Informed Care
Feminist Therapy
LGBTQIA+ Affirmation
I am deeply committed to creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. There are unique challenges and strengths related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and intersectional experiences. Together, we’ll work to honor your authentic self, explore your identity with respect, and navigate any barriers you might face. My practice is grounded in inclusivity, cultural humility, and celebration of diversity. You deserve to be seen, heard, and valued as you are.
My Focus
I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, self-harm, family and relationship challenges, career exploration, and identity development. I also work with clients facing identity-based macro- and microaggressions, creating space to process these experiences with understanding and care. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your feelings, develop coping skills, and build strategies for growth and resilience.
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Emotional Regulation
Identity-based Macro - and Microaggressions
Identity Development (including LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy)
Family and Relationship Communication
Self-Harming Behavior
Career Exploration
Grief and Loss
Coping Skills