What if the path to emotional resilience isn't about avoiding difficult feelings, but actually learning to embrace them?

Matthew Lowe, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor from Maryland and author of "Seeing the Forest and the Trees: Mapping Your Inner World for Greater Clarity and Satisfaction in Life."

In this special BONUS episode, Matthew brings his background in Jewish philosophy and theology to his work as an existential therapist, helping clients navigate life's complexities with both big-picture wisdom and practical tools. We discuss his unique approach to therapy that honors the full spectrum of human emotions, from grief and anger to relief and love. Matthew shares his journey from religious educator to therapist, explaining how existential themes like freedom, death, meaning, and connection appear in every client's story. We explore the concept of "toxic positivity" and why acknowledging our darker emotions can be transformative. Matthew also opens up about his wellness practices, from hula hooping to multi-column journaling, and how he maintains balance while doing emotionally heavy work.

Whether you're a mental health professional, someone considering therapy, or simply trying to navigate life's ups and downs with more presence and honesty, this conversation offers valuable insights into the complexity of being human.

Topics Discussed:

• What existential therapy is and how it applies across cultures
• The emotional value of embracing despair, failure, and doubt
• How to hold multiple emotions at once without judgment
• The role of language and metaphor in emotional healing
• Nature-informed therapy and the importance of balancing cerebral work with embodied joy
• Matthew’s personal wellness practices and how they help him stay grounded

Resources Mentioned:

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lowe-83129b14/
• Book | Seeing the Forest and the Trees: Mapping Your Inner World for Greater Clarity and Satisfaction in Life by Matthew Lowe

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