Founder & Principal Therapist

Matt brings a rare combination of legal expertise and clinical training to mental health support for working professionals. As both a licensed attorney and clinical mental health counselor, he offers a unique perspective on the pressures, ethical obligations, and organizational dynamics that define high-stakes professional environments.

Professional Background

Legal Career

Matt's decade-long legal career spanned multiple practice environments, giving him comprehensive insight into the profession's diverse challenges:

Foley & Lardner LLP — As an IP Associate, Matt handled complex patent litigation and patent prosecution for technology companies, manufacturers, universities, financial institutions, and research laboratories. He worked on high-stakes cases with demanding timelines and client expectations.

Mars Wrigley Confectionery — Serving as IP Counsel, Matt provided comprehensive legal support for global R&D operations, including intellectual property strategy, patent portfolio management, trade secret protection, contract negotiation, and co-development partnerships across international markets.

Solo Practice (ShinIP LLC) — Matt supported in-house legal teams and law firms with contract and patent matters, experiencing firsthand the challenges of independent practice and client development.

Transition to Mental Health

After recognizing that his most meaningful work involved supporting colleagues through professional challenges, Matt pursued his Master's in Counseling from Northwestern University while gradually transitioning away from legal practice, opening Sidebar Counseling in 2024.

Practice Philosophies

Clinical Approach

Matt integrates multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic theories, and solutions-focused therapy. His approach is distinctly cognitive and strategic, leveraging his legal training to provide clear explanations and research-backed interventions.

Speaking and Professional Engagement

Matt is a sought-after speaker on mental health and wellness in professional settings, having presented for:

• State Bar of Wisconsin — Attorney wellness and burnout prevention

• Office of Lawyer Regulation — Mental health support for attorneys

• University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School — Student wellness programs

• Wisconsin Defense Counsel — Managing stress in litigation practice

• Various corporate clients — Workplace mental health initiatives

His presentations combine peer-reviewed research with practical strategies, delivered with both expertise and relatability.

Personal Philosophy

Matt believes that mental health challenges represent both a significant systemic problem in professional culture and one of our greatest opportunities for meaningful improvement. He advocates for viewing mental health maintenance as essential professional development—comparable to how athletes monitor physical health for optimal performance.

His vision involves creating professional cultures that balance high engagement with necessary recovery periods, where seeking mental health support is viewed as strategic rather than stigmatizing.

Beyond the Office

Matt maintains his own well-being through weightlifting and boxing, regular travel, and his passion for food—cooking, eating, and culinary exploration. He lives in Wausau, Wisconsin with his wife and two cats, actively contributing to his community through his board service with NAMI Northwoods.