Matthew is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a background in Psychobiology from UCLA. With a strong foundation in the sciences, he has a particular passion for helping clients understand the mind-body connection, and how it shapes their experiences.

Matthew works with children, adolescents, and adults, providing a warm, supportive environment where individuals can process difficult emotions, gain new perspectives, and move toward authentic growth.

When working with children and teens, Matthew incorporates play therapy and other youth-focused interventions to foster emotional awareness, self-regulation, and resilience. He collaborates closely with caregivers to ensure progress continues beyond the therapy room, offering guidance and practical strategies to strengthen family communication and connection. His goal is to help children develop the emotional tools and confidence they need to navigate challenges with resilience and hope.

Also, Matthew enjoys working teens and adults who are open to engaging in meaningful treatment to uncover root issues, shift perspectives, acquire effective coping skills, and reclaim a sense of control in their lives. His clinical focus spans a wide range of concerns including medical trauma, men’s issues, athletic performance, family challenges, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation through the use of a holistic and integrative lens.

Being an athletics from an early age, Matthew understands the significance of resilience, growth through challenges, and the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and communication.

Using these values, Matthew helps clients thrive as they work towards growth, healing, and resilience. Additionally, as an artist and musician, Matthew brings creativity, deep listening, and a respect for the healing power of expression into his work as a therapist. He understands that growth is a
process – much like creating art and music – and loves to help clients find new ways to express themselves, discover their inner rhythm, and move towards balance, harmony, and self-compassion.

Matthew takes pride in developing personalized treatment plans that honor each individual’s strengths, goals, and unique path toward healing. Those who have worked with him often describe sessions as filled with great energy, empathy, laughter, and genuine care. Above all, Matthew strives to create a collaborative and safe space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Matthew Banooni, AMFT is supervised by Dr. Kanchi.