Founder & Principal Therapist

Matt brings a rare perspective to mental health support for working professionals. As a licensed attorney, clinical mental health counselor, and coach, Matt understands the pressures, ethical obligations, and organizational dynamics that define the legal profession in particular.

Before founding Sidebar Counseling, Matt served as IP Counsel at Mars Wrigley Confectionery, where he provided comprehensive legal support across multiple R&D functions while managing international patent portfolios. His legal career began at Foley & Lardner LLP, where he worked as an IP Associate handling complex litigation and patent prosecution for industry leaders. This firsthand experience informs his specialized approach to attorney well-being.

Matt's transition from law to mental health counseling was inspired by witnessing how stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue impact individual effectiveness and quality of life. His work with the Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program, providing mentorship to provisionally admitted bar members and educational presentations on attorney well-being, cemented his commitment to addressing these challenges.

At Sidebar Counseling, Matt combines his training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University with his legal experience to offer targeted support for working professionals across various fields. His services include individual therapy, organizational consulting, and wellness workshops specifically tailored to each professional environment.

Matt is a sought-after speaker on mental health and wellness in the context of work and careers, having presented for the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Defense Counsel, University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School, among others. His approach emphasizes practical strategies that acknowledge the realities of demanding roles while promoting sustainable well-being.

For professionals seeking support from someone who truly understands the demands of high stress professions, Matt offers a confidential space to address work-related mental health concerns and develop personalized wellness strategies.

Services Offered: Clinical counseling, coaching, speaking, workshops, groups

Approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solutions-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Theory