Matthew Graden, Therapist

I have master’s degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northern Illinois University, where I studied counseling and education. I hold the credentials of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois. I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

I have helped people with their personal growth, mental health, and wellness in inpatient, outpatient, and educational settings. I specialize in working with highly sensitive persons (HSPs) and LGBTQ+ people. Cultural effectiveness and inclusion are passions of mine. My therapeutic approach is focused on evoking the possible in people and creating a life worth living. Our time in counseling is about moving through life’s pain and challenges with courage and compassion. In our work together, clients can expect to feel supported in an accepting and dignified way.

“True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don’t negotiate their value with the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own.” —Brené Brown