Matthew Benavidez (LMFT)

Hi, I’m Matthew Benavidez, LMFT and have nearly 10 years of professional work experience. I help couples and individuals strengthen connection, heal from painful experiences, and move forward with clarity. My work blends the Gottman Method—a research-based approach to relationships—with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma, anxiety, and stuck stress responses. With Gottman, we start with a structured assessment to understand your patterns and strengths. From there, we build skills for effective communication, conflict repair, trust, intimacy, and shared meaning. Whether you’re navigating frequent arguments, betrayal recovery, parenting stress, or just feeling disconnected, I’ll give you clear tools you can practice right away. ART is a gentle, highly focused therapy that uses eye movements and guided imagery to help your brain re-store distressing memories so they no longer trigger the same reactions. Many clients appreciate that ART does not require recounting every detail, and it can bring relief efficiently (results vary). I also integrate ART into couples work when trauma or anxiety is affecting the relationship. Clients describe my style as warm, direct, culturally and faith-aware, and deeply practical. If you’re ready for a clear plan and evidence-based methods that respect your values, I’d be honored to work with you.