Clifford Matthews Jr., M.Div, MSW, D.Min, LCSWA

“If I can help somebody as I travel along…then my living shall not be in vain”

Alma Androzzo

Take A Chance on Change

I grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida on a rocky road of self-identity and family understanding, eventually graduating high school with a mere 1.7 GPA. With few other options, I joined the United States Air Force, where I eventually received an honorable discharge. I returned home with a goal of attending college and was mocked for this idea when acquiring my high school transcripts.

Undeterred, I was admitted and graduated in 3 years before moving to Louisville, KY to begin graduate school. Once that degree was completed, I began my career as a minister, which eventually led to a position in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2017, I started the UNC Charlotte Master of Social Work degree program, graduating in 2019 and becoming a therapist. I have since graduated from Duke Divinity School with my doctorate and have excelled academically, at each level overcoming adversity, including the doubt of others and frankly, myself earlier in the journey.

Upon completing my MSW, I became a therapist, providing services in private practice, but also in the Mecklenburg County jail, primarily helping men. I’ve developed a passion for working with men in all sectors who have patterns of acting like they have it all together followed by self-destructive behaviors, revealing they don’t.

My own life has been defined by a mixture of ups and downs, good and bad, with seasons of both amazing success and painful struggle. I have had to challenge my own negative core beliefs, which like a bad playlist in loop mode, have at times kept me stuck in a negative narrative about myself, working against my desire to live my best life. It wasn’t easy, yet like I hope you do at the end of reading this, I took a chance on change.

In part because of my experiences, as a therapist, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients free themselves from the grip of negative core beliefs to live the lives they desire and deserve. While I work with all clients to find healthy thinking patterns using CBT and narrative therapy, when desired, I incorporate DBT to help with grounding and mindfulness.

As a clinical social worker with separate experience as a minister who is affirming of all people, my target areas of individual, couples, family, and group practice include:

• LGBTQ individuals navigating challenges of identity and self-esteem

• Men silently struggling to balance life transitions with work, relationships, family, grief, and/or the pressures of societal expectations

• Couples struggling with communication, boundaries, and connection, with an emphasis on queer identifying couples

• Supporting families dealing with life transitions such as death, divorce, or trauma exposure

• Navigating the world as a Black male, confronting diverse challenges ranging from working in corporate America to re-entering society following incarceration

• Individuals, couples, and families with backgrounds of service such as: military, first responders, educators, clergy, and/or correctional professionals

• Individuals who have been harmed by the church and/or made to feel as though they don’t belong

So, am I the therapist for you? I am, if you’re ready for change but don't know where to start and fear this would be another in a series of "starts". Despite this, your desire to live your best life is pushing you to take a chance on change. But who will walk with you?

I am here for you and offer flexible scheduling with both virtual and in-person options. Let's take a chance on change.

Queen City Metro - Rev. Clifford Matthews hosts interfaith service during Charlotte Pride event.