Richard A. Matheny, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Specialized help for marital problems (including abuse, infidelity, sexual & communication problems), depression, stress, harassment and other work-related problems.
Overview
Dr. Matheny has been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 1990. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Detroit in 1988. Dr. Matheny also has two master degrees, one in Psychology from the University of Detroit's Marriage Counseling Program, completed in 1980, and one from the Florida State University Sociology Department's Interdivisional Program in Marriage and Family Living, completed in 1976. Dr. Matheny has 26 years of clinical experience providing specialized help for marital therapy and depression. During his training at the University of Detroit from 1978 through 1988, his training specialized in treating both marital therapy and traumatic stress disorders.
Richard A. Matheny sees patients at the following location(s):
Southfield, Michigan
Richard A. Matheny, Ph.D.
29260 Frankllin Road, Suite 109
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Phone: 248-799-3399
Fax: 248-799-3399
Personal Statement
You deserve understanding of your problems without criticism. I also believe that most people do not consciously decide to hurt their marriage or other relationships. As a psychologist, I see my job as helping you understand things about yourself of which you are not aware. So, if you are caught up in interpersonal difficulties, you or your partner might have only a partial picture of all of the causes. Most of the time, husbands or wives are not sure what they are doing to hurt their partner's feelings, do not know why they are doing it, or they do not know what else to do, instead. This is especially true in instances of communication breakdown, abusive relating, sexual problems, and with selected aspects of infidelity.
When working with couples, both partners usually like to attend the first session, so the decision to continue is mutual, although I am flexible according to a couple's needs. Next, I conduct a comprehensive interview-based psychological evaluation that takes two individual sessions for each partner. Then, I am in a position to provide clarification of the full scope of problems and a direction for proceeding. I have found that a flexible combination of individual and joint sessions is most effective for resolving marital problems, depending on each couple's needs and preferences. The joint sessions are good for addressing matters that are avoided at home or that escalate into arguments. The individual sessions are best for helping each partner confidentially to look within and consider what he or she might be contributing to problems and what he or she can do to contribute to solutions. Husbands and wives report that they especially like this fair approach. When each is willing to look within oneself in this manner and work toward positive changes, the problems usually reduce.
Individuals suffering from depression, the effects of trauma, abuse, or other chronic stress almost always are greatly relieved to learn that there are good reasons for their symptoms and that they can proactively make changes that bring relief. So many individuals confide that they fear they are losing control of their thoughts and emotions or that they cannot seem to achieve the quality of life they desire. However, receiving healing insights and implementing positive changes truly can be life saving and life changing.
This brief description of my approach is only a general outline. Each person has unique experiences that deserve to be fully understood. My pledge to you is that I will do my best to provide that in-depth understanding, as well as healing insights and suggestions without criticism in a safe, comfortable, professional context.
Treatment Areas
Dr. Matheny has experience treating the following areas: Behavior Disorders, Bereavement, Borderline Personality, Co-Dependency, Couples' Issues, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Violence Offenders, Domestic Violence Victims, Emotional Growth and Development, Grief, Impotence, Loneliness, Low Self-Esteem, Personality Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Relationship Issues, Stress, Suicidal Behavior, Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal Thoughts, Traumatic Stress and Work Issues.
Treatment Modalities
Dr. Matheny provides Family Therapy, Marriage Counseling and Psychodynamic Therapy. He works with Adults, Couples, Families and Seniors.
Affiliations
Dr. Matheny is a provider for Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Horizon Behavioral Services, Humana PPO, Magellan Health Services, Medicare, Private Healthcare Systems, Value Behavioral Health and Value Options.