Matthew Cohen, LMFT, MA, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He specializes in integrated therapies designed to increase client receptiveness to change by becoming partners in the healing process. His approach addresses the roots and consequences of trauma and abuse as he helps individuals and couples to heal and to connect more deeply with themselves. He founded the Body Synergy Institute in 1979. His groundbreaking work in emotionally focused touch remains at the core of his private practice, workshops and teaching.
He has been integrating the perspectives of interpersonal psychotherapy, somatic psychology, psychodynamic and family systems theory, and organizational psychology for over 40 years in his work with individuals, couples, families, and organizations. In addition, he studied with Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1970’s. and became a certified advanced Rolfer®. Over time he has modified his use of that work considerably.
Matthew Cohen’s unique approach in combining traditional psychotherapy and emotionally focused touch is especially relevant to healing trauma from physical and sexual abuse, as well as trauma from emotional abuse. The depth of this work allows clients to genuinely resolve longstanding relationship issues. His clients come to see what is problematic, but they also connect to their deeper felt sense of themselves. Consequently they experience significant growth and often transformational change.
For therapy to be maximally effective it must be a collaborative effort between client and therapist. Clients hear and take in his observations, while at the same time he is open to learn from (and with) his clients. This give and take sets the tone for a genuine therapeutic relationship. Matthew Cohen says, “My life’s learning is that authentic relating is the foundation for inspired collaboration. Such openheartedness becomes the cornerstone of growth for relationships—between therapist and client, teacher and student, husband and wife, parents and children, and between individuals in organizations.”