matthew rutledge, M.ED - counselor
Matthew Rutledge is an Integrated Counselor (M. ED) at Wisdom Traditions Behavioral Health. Matthew brings experience working with individuals who are struggling with mental health, substance use, and/or behavioral barriers as they work towards establishing and reaching their desired goals.
The goals of the individuals Matthew works with are very important to him, as he believes in a client-centered approach to counseling. Matthew’s therapeutic method is influenced by Irvin D. Yalom, Edwuardo Durand, and Carl Rogers, among others. Matthew strongly believes that treatment which makes room for and incorporates experienced trauma, has a greater chance of creating lasting improvements for the supported individual.
Through Matthew’s experience, he has developed an appreciation for the level of directed, intentional change which can be achieved by someone who had minimal intention and motivation when beginning services. Matthew completed his practicum and internship training at Wisdom Traditions, and also has a background in human development and family science. Prior to Matthew’s counseling training, he worked to provide psychosocial support to children and in providing direct care to adults with significant physical and mental disabilities.
Working on a direct, human level with individuals of many backgrounds and varying levels of ability has helped Matthew recognize where automatic judgement causes real harm. Matthew strives to bring directness, compassion, warmth, non-judgement, and an occasional drop of humor into his work as a counselor. In his free time, he enjoys gaming, reading, cooking, outdoor photography, and most of all spending time with his significant other.
