About
Hi! My name is Matthew Maynard and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist currently practicing in Westport, Connecticut. I graduated from Syracuse University with a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and also graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Salve Regina University. I started my career doing Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy in Fairfield County with adolescents who were at high risk of substance abuse or were currently abusing substances. On top of my private practice, I’m also an emotional intelligence executive coach. Utilizing my background in psychology, family therapy, and systems theory, I coach executives on using their emotions more appropriately to accomplish their individual goals and be more effective leaders, within their organization.
My approach? Energetic, collaborative, practical, and yes—humorous. If we can’t have fun with this process, it quickly becomes sterile, rigid, and unproductive. Therapy should be something you look forward to, and I can confidently say you will—because I do.
Each session is tailored to what you need. Sometimes that means helping you gain new tools to break through obstacles; other times, it’s about giving you the space to reflect, process, and build awareness. Both are essential for real, lasting change. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable being themselves in our work together—fully seen, supported, and understood. In fact, some of my clients have felt so connected and cared for in our work together that I’ve even had the honor of officiating a wedding for a couple after they went through therapy with me. That’s the level of trust and transformation I strive to create.
Beyond our sessions, I believe in equipping you with strategies and tangible resources that allow you to apply what we discuss in therapy to your everyday life. The goal isn’t just to feel better in the moment—it’s to give you tools to create meaningful, long-term change outside the therapy room.
If you’re ready for therapy that’s both deep and engaging, proactive and reflective, I’d love to be part of your journey. Let’s make sense of the patterns holding you back and create a path forward that actually aligns with the life you want.
Why Choose my Practice?
Enthusiasm: Therapy, But Make It Fun (Or at Least Less Awkward). I didn’t just stumble into being a therapist—I chose this work because I genuinely love it. I actually enjoy getting to know my clients, whether it’s their deepest, darkest thoughts, their pets’ ridiculous names, or what TV show is currently ruining their sleep schedule. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s a calling (but without the dramatic music in the background).
Authenticity: I Am Fully Me So You Can Be Fully You! You won’t find me sitting in a chair, passively validating you in your delusions! I’m engaged, expressive, and genuinely interested in your experiences. My clients often say they look forward to my reactions because they know I’ll be right there with them—whether it’s sharing in their frustration, celebrating their victories, or laughing at life’s absurdities. This allows you to feed off my energy of authenticity so you can get more in touch with the real you.
Collaboration: There Is No "I" in Therapy! I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We’ll work together to figure out what actually works for you. Whether it’s strategies for managing stress, improving relationships, or just making life feel less overwhelming, we’ll create a plan that fits your life—not some generic therapy textbook. I have frameworks that will allow us to break down complex problems and make them more manageable and applicable to your specific life and relationships.
Respect: No Judgment, Just Support. I get it—reaching out for therapy can be tough. It takes guts to open up, and I don’t take that lightly. I respect that you are the expert on your own life, and I’m just here to help you untangle the knots. My approach isn’t about “right” or “wrong”; it’s about figuring out what works for you. And trust me, I’ve seen it all—nothing you say is going to shock me (unless you tell me you don’t like Paul Rudd, in which case, I may refer you out).
Sustainable Shifts: Less “Talking in Circles,” More Actionable Change. From day one, I give clients practical, applicable strategies they can use. That might mean new ways to communicate, stress management techniques, referrals to other trusted professionals, or just validating that yes, your frustration is completely justified. I also believe in between-session “to-dos”—not because I want to assign homework, but because real change happens outside of our sessions, too. Don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz.
"The quality of life for any individual is the quality of the relationship they have with themselves, their partner, and their family members."
Specialties: Comprehensive Support for Individuals, Couples, and Families
I specialize in working with clients facing:
Relationship and Marriage Challenges – Helping couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their connection.
Family Conflict & Dysfunction – Supporting families in breaking unhealthy cycles and fostering healthier emotional connections.
Parenting Challenges – Providing strategies to manage power struggles, behavioral concerns, and screen time limits effectively.
Emotional Reactivity & Triggers – Helping individuals unpack their emotional responses and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Anxiety & Stress Management – Teaching clients tools to manage overwhelm and improve emotional resilience.
Healing from Trauma – Supporting individuals in processing past experiences and building a stronger emotional foundation.
Personal Growth & Life Transitions – Guiding clients through career changes, major life shifts, and self-discovery.
Reach out to schedule a free, virtual consultation. During the online consultation, you can share a bit about what you’re going through and we can explore whether I’m the right fit to support you.