Matty Petje Psychotherapy, LMFT

I have always been passionate about helping others. I was born in Slovenia where I obtained my BS in English and education and I moved to Florida in 1997. While being engaged in my own therapy, I decided to become a therapist myself. Looking back, it was a blessing in disguise, as it gave me meaning and purpose after healing from my own trauma. Initially, I specialized in marriage and family therapy, but I discovered that my passion lies in helping people heal from childhood trauma and abuse. This often manifests as chronic anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I was not too happy with the results from traditional talk therapy, so over the last 20 years I developed my own holistic approach that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy with energy medicine, neuro-linguistic programming, and hypnosis. I have been told by my clients that I am kind, compassionate, wise, and resourceful.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if we are a good match. Prior to starting therapy, the client completes the initial intake paperwork in Simple Practice. This is the software where I manage all communication, provide resources, and assign homework. I enjoy working with adults one-on-one, ages 20-60. My ideal clients seek a more in-depth approach that includes things like family-of-origin issues and the root causes of mental health disorders. Many of my clients are tired of just "popping pills" and want effective short-term and long-term solutions and to heal their past trauma.

I am always learning and studying top approaches in behavioral science and energy medicine. My next goal is to become certified in psych-K, which is a method of creating awareness and changing limiting beliefs. These limiting beliefs about ourselves and the world are the root causes of many mental health disorders and have an effect on overall wellbeing and success in life.

I relate to my clients on many levels due to my own trauma and abuse history growing up. I believe that we all deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. I am comfortable working with people from all walks of life regardless of their culture, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and religion or spirituality. I attract immigrants, as I am myself an immigrant and understand the unique challenges of assimilation. I am open-minded and have studied different religions and spiritual practices including Zen Buddhism and Hinduism. I am involved with the Art of Living Foundation and planning to become a meditation teacher.

I am excited about doing all my sessions virtually. This enables me to see clients anywhere in Florida and New York as well (license pending). My clients love the flexibility of scheduling and not having to spend time in traffic. Unlike big telemedicine companies, I offer customized treatment and guaranteed continuation of care, as I typically do not work with more than 10 clients at a time. I offer quality of care and expertise when it comes to mood disorders, trauma, and stress management.