Matt Rutzi
MA
Therapist
Mission
Through deep listening, reflection, and a belief in the power of compassion and gentleness, I aim to help my clients create and sustain peaceful and healthy relationships. I trust in people's innate wisdom and view the relationship with my clients as a co-creative journey. I am committed to helping individuals during times of stress, loss, transition, and recovery, and I believe in the power of understanding ourselves as part of a larger process of health and wellness within our families and community.
Method
My training and background are focused primarily on interpersonal, narrative, and mindfulness-based methods of healing and self-inquiry. This approach involves helping clients cultivate present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, along with a contextualized understanding of their own life stories. Utilizing a trauma-informed, and relationship-based approach, clients learn to observe and understand their experiences, which can be particularly helpful in addressing trauma and promoting healing. By combining my professional skills with my personal passions for nature and human connection, I aim to support and empower clients on their journey toward wholeness and emotional well-being.
Experience
I have worked as a guide, group facilitator, and counselor for the past twenty years. I have a master’s in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, where I focused on Nature-Based Therapy and the treatment of psychological trauma through mindfulness-based counseling, ecopsychology, and somatic interventions. Additionally, I’m in the final stages of completing my doctoral studies in clinical psychology, where I sought to explore the emerging research on harm reduction and the role of the therapist within the current standard of care in psychedelic-assisted therapy. As part of my research, I intend to gain a better understanding of how current practitioners implement ethical psychedelic-assisted therapy. I believe the combination of my research background and applied experience allows me to approach the healing process in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of all involved.
Interests
I love the ocean, mountains, and forests. I find joy in surfing, hiking, dancing, and creating art. I’m grateful to have friendships based on respect and shared laughter, and I love spending time with my life partner and our young child.