Donald D. Matthews, Psy.D

Integrative Behavioral Health Coach / Consultant

Educational Therapist/Academic Psychologist

Cognitive Coach (IBCCES) #CCC22817595

SUD Counselor (CADTP) - SUDRC I #23782

Qualified Mental Health Specialist (CCAPP) #25-QMHS-I-00154

Certified Trauma Support Specialist (ATI)

Meditation/Qigong Instructor

(NPI #1659171874 - Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist)

Who am I?

My primary expertise is in cognitive and behavioral coaching, with a focus on mental health promotion and psychological well-being. I am also an integrative behavioral health practitioner and a consulting cognitive-behavioral psychologist in educational and rehabilitation settings. Over my 30-year career in public and private settings, I have coached and counseled hundreds of children, adolescents, and adults to develop more effective and productive ways to manage and process thoughts and emotions. Additionally, I am the author of several self-help publications and have worked as a teacher, lecturer, educational therapist, certified cognitive coach, substance use counselor, and integrative behavioral health coach.

Dr. Don Matthews

Education

Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D) – Touro University, 2017

Master of Arts degree in Education, (M.A.Ed.), Touro University – California, 2008

Graduate Certificate in Educational Therapy, University of California, Berkeley 2006

Multiple Subjects / Education Specialist - Mild/Moderate Disabilities - California CCTC

Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities, New College of California, San Francisco 1991

Allied Health Sciences, Fullerton College, California 1978-1982

Training, Memberships and Professional Affiliations

ACO - ADHD Coaches Association, 2024

AET - Association of Educational Therapists, Professional (ET/P 2006 - 2013)

APA – American Psychological Association, Division 15 – Educational Psychologists - Affiliate

ATI - Arizona Trauma Institute - Certified Trauma Support Specialist (2022)

CalTICA -California Trauma Informed Care Academy - Educator

CADTP- Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor - SUDRC I #23782

CCAPP - Qualified Mental Health Specialist (Cred. #25-QMHS-I-00154)

CCTC - Education Specialist - California Commission on Teacher Credentialing - 1991- present

CE - Certificate in Meditation Coaching - 2024

CSUF - California State University, Fullerton - Certificate in Integrative Behavioral Health - 2024

FSU - Florida State University - Professional Certification in Trauma and Resilience - Level 1

IBCCES - Certified Cognitive Coach 2022 - #CCC22817595

ILCT - Institute for Life Coaching Training - Cognitive Behavioral Coaching

ISCP - International Society of Coaching Psychology - Affiliate

NACBT - National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, Certified Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapist (CBGT)

PESI - Advanced Certificate: Executive Functioning Skills for Children & Adolescents - 2024

PGIM - Post Graduate Institute for Medicine - ACEs Aware in California - 2021

TCH - Certified Qigong Instructor - Tai Chi Healthways 2022

Articles, Publications, Websites

A Mindful Life - Essays on Mindful Living - New for 2026

A Mindful Life Blog - Wordpress

Autonomy and Motivation: The Keys to Successful Learning and Goal Attainment - Medium.com

Mindset Practices for Wellness and Wellbeing - Medium.com

Neuroplasticity - Medium.com

Mindful Breathing Institute - website

Mindful Breathing Institute - YouTube Channel

Mindful Breathing - ebook or paperback

Mindful Self Care - ebook or paperback

Mindfulness for Beginners - website

Metacognitive Thinking - website

Qigong for Enhancing Self Awareness - ebook

Trauma Informed Practices: Teaching Self Regulation through Mindfulness - Medium.com

Trauma Informed Teaching Practices - American Psychological Association - Practice Brief - October 2022

Trauma Informed Practices: Teaching Self Regulation through Mindfulness to Children and Adolescents - 2023 - ebook