Licensed Social Worker
Jon Matthew
MSW, LSW (he/they)
Therapy for ages 18+
I believe therapy should be a transformative and empowering experience. My goal is to create a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free space where clients can explore, heal, and grow. I use a compassionate, strengths-based approach to help you build resilience and create a life aligned with your values.
As a nonbinary person of South Asian descent, I am especially passionate about providing affirming mental health care to queer communities and people of color, as well as others who have been historically underserved. With over six years of experience supporting individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness and survivors of gender-based violence, I bring both clinical expertise and deep empathy to my work.
I specialize in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, religious trauma, or major life transitions. My therapeutic approach blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), always grounded in an anti-oppressive and client-centered framework.
A little about me:
Outside of therapy I enjoy songwriting, listening to audiobooks, staying active, and going for walks with my dog Kali.
Education:
Master in Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago
What are your top specialties?
Religious deconversion, racial discrimination, and LGBTQIA+ identity are all a part of my own story, and helping others navigate and heal through such experiences is one of my favorite parts of being a therapist.
Working with people with personality disorders, autism, and ADHD is also important to me because there is so much stigma surrounding these disorders. Not everyone has access to testing either, so whether you've been formally diagnosed with one of these disorders, or suspect you may have one, I welcome you to explore that with me.
What does a typical session with you look like?
Trust that I will meet you wherever you're at. Whether you need to vent, cry, breathe, chat about your latest creative endeavor, sit in silence, or even whip out some tarot cards, we will figure it out together.
Who is your ideal client?
If you're someone who feels unseen, unheard, or misunderstood in other areas of your life and you're looking for a therapist who just "gets" you, then you're in the right place.
What would you say to someone considering therapy with you?
Finding the right therapist can be a journey, and it would be an honor to be a part of yours. If you're feeling nervous or unsure that's ok! Whenever you're ready, I would love to meet you.
How do clients describe you?
Compassionate, gentle, intuitive, and real.
What insurance do you accept?
BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem, and Cigna/Evernorth.
Jon’s Approach
You're the expert on your own life and you have the right to build a life that you love. That journey looks different for everyone, so I will tailor my approach to fit your needs. My style is very gentle, but if I sense you could use a slight push, I'll ask permission first. I also welcome all of my clients to give me feedback so that you get what you need from me.
I tend to borrow ideas from Internal Family Systems (IFS) because it provides a useful framework for understanding how each of us is comprised of different parts with unique needs and experiences. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) also integrates well with my social justice oriented practice because there is so much about the world that is outside of our control, but we all still deserve to find meaning and joy in our lives.
Click here for more detailed information on therapeutic modalities.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you move beyond negative thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way by accepting that your thoughts and emotions are an appropriate response to certain situations and committing to making changes in your life that match your values.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy, specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.
Top Specialties:
Anxiety
Borderline Personality (BPD)
Depression
LGBTQIA+ Support
Religious Deconversion
Religious Trauma
Areas of Expertise:
ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality (BPD)
Dual Diagnosis
Eating Disorders
Family Conflict
Grief
Men's Issues
Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Racial Identity & Trauma
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
Stress
Substance Use
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD
Interested in working together? Fill out the form below, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Questions about insurance?
Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.