Tristan (they/them) is a passionate and thoughtful Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) at Matone Counseling in Asheville, NC. Tristan received their bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media/Broadcasting with a minor in Psychology from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, before deciding to change careers. They obtained their master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville, NC. 

Tristan has been working in the mental health field since 2016, where they have worked in various roles at residential, intensive outpatient, community mental health, and sober living programs. They specialize in working with folks who have minoritized gender identities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance misuse, mood disorders, relationship challenges, and codependency. Tristan believes in the importance of viewing their clients’ struggles through a systemic lens, in which clients’ suffering is often exacerbated by isolation and disconnection from oneself and from others. They understand the impact that early childhood and life experiences can have on one’s ability to function, and the lasting impacts of such challenges. Tristan views the coping mechanisms clients use- including those that no longer serve them- as a means of survival that can be directly related to these early childhood and life experiences, and will aid clients in finding more authentic and fulfilling ways to cope in the present. 

The counseling modalities that Tristan draws from in session are rooted in Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Experiential Therapy. They understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and use intentionality when selecting interventions for each individual client. As someone who is in therapy themself, Tristan understands how difficult it can be to reach out a hand for support. They aim to show up as a clinician who is warm, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and authentic who will meet the client exactly where they are.