About Sidebar Counseling

Sidebar Counseling is a specialized mental health and wellness practice designed for attorneys and other high-pressure professionals who need support from someone who truly understands their world. Founded by Matt Shin, an attorney-turned-therapist, the practice combines firsthand professional experience with clinical expertise to address the unique challenges facing today's working professionals.

Our Approach: Strategic Mental Health Support

Unlike traditional therapy models, Sidebar Counseling operates on the principle that high-achieving professionals need mental health support that respects their abilities, time constraints, and professional demands. Our approach:

Is Cognitive and Strategic

Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic theories, and solutions-focused therapy, every intervention is research-backed and strategically designed. You'll receive clear explanations for every technique and approach—because as professionals, you deserve to understand the "why" behind the work.

Leverages Empathic Confrontation

We don't shy away from pointing out discrepancies and inconsistencies when they arise. Through empathic confrontation, we help you identify patterns, break cycles, and develop the cognitive resources to make different choices. This approach enhances self-awareness and bolsters your sense of agency in creating change.

Is Practical, Not Paperwork

Understanding that you already have enough to do, we don't assign written homework. Instead, you'll receive thoughtful prompts and questions to consider between sessions—practical tools that fit into your existing routine rather than adding to your burden.

Enhanced Privacy and Confidentiality

As a private-pay practice, Sidebar Counseling offers privacy protections that go beyond standard confidentiality requirements:

  • No Insurance Reporting - Your sessions and treatment details remain completely private with no external audits or reporting requirements.

  • Minimal Documentation - Without insurance compliance needs, we maintain only essential clinical notes, all kept securely in-house.

  • Complete Confidentiality - With limited exceptions, your participation in therapy will not be disclosed to employers, bar associations, or third parties.

This enhanced privacy is particularly important for professionals whose careers could be impacted by mental health stigma or who handle sensitive information in their work.

Our Philosophy: Mental Health as Professional Maintenance

We believe mental health should be viewed like physical health for professional athletes—something to be monitored and maintained for optimal performance. Our vision is a professional culture that balances productive engagement with necessary recovery, where seeking support is seen as strategic rather than stigmatizing.

Who We Serve

Sidebar Counseling specializes in supporting:

  • Legal professionals navigating burnout, anxiety, and career transitions

  • Executives and managers dealing with high-stakes decision-making pressure

  • Working professionals in demanding fields who need sustainable performance strategies

  • Organizations seeking to create healthier, more productive workplace cultures

Service Locations

We meet clients where they are—literally and figuratively. Services are available both in-person at our downtown Wausau office and virtually across Wisconsin and beyond. For coaching and consulting services, we work with clients nationally.

Ready to experience mental health support designed specifically for professionals like you? Contact us to schedule your confidential consultation.