Welcome
I'm Matt Albaugh, Ph.D., and Vermont Brain Health & Wellbeing, PLLC, is my private practice. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical neuroscientist with nearly 20 years of experience working with clients, providing evidence-based interventions for common emotional and behavioral problems across the lifespan. My practice specializes in the assessment and treatment of mood- and anxiety-related problems, including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depressed mood, and obsessive-compulsive behavior.
My Approach
My approach to psychotherapy is highly collaborative and rooted in cognitive-behavioral principles and neuroscience. I utilize treatment strategies that are backed by scientific evidence and have been shown, on average, to be effective in ameliorating various emotional and behavioral problems. My theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioral, which means that I am particularly interested in how you think about, and interpret, aspects of your life—and how certain patterns of thinking may influence your emotions and behavior. There is a considerable scientific literature demonstrating the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for many types of emotional and behavioral problems. For many conditions, CBT has been found to be as efficacious as, or superior to, commonly prescribed psychiatric medications.
Central to my practice is a holistic approach that prioritizes health and wellness promotion, drawing upon pillars of brain health supported by decades of neuroscience research. This often involves collaboratively exploring and implementing empirically supported strategies related to physical exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition, mindfulness-based practices, engaging in new interests and hobbies, and building and maintaining social connections. By addressing these foundational elements of brain health, I hope to further empower clients to actively engage in their own wellness journey, promoting lasting change and improved mental wellbeing.
I believe that the interpersonal fit between client and therapist is incredibly important. Unsurprisingly, research indicates that the client-clinician relationship is among the most salient predictors of therapy outcomes, so I encourage prospective clients to be selective when choosing among mental health professionals. My style is warm and unassuming, and I possess a genuine curiosity about others’ experiences, values, beliefs, and perspectives. Above all, I strive to foster an unconditionally accepting, non-judgmental space in which clients can openly share their experiences. I also have an appreciation for humor and laughter!
As part of my approach, I also enjoy helping clients explore, and connect with, what they value most in their lives. What do we want our legacies to be, and how do we want to be remembered? Often, psychological distress arises when the values we hold are at odds with unfulfilling pressures from work or society. Or, we might become so focused on our day-to-day distress that we simply lose touch with what we want our lives to stand for. Getting better acquainted with our values can help cultivate a greater sense of meaning in life, while also providing clarity and direction.
About Me
I grew up in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, attended college in Maine, and have been living in Vermont for over 15 years. Over the course of my career, I have worked and trained at a number of institutions, including the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, and McGill University. Outside of research and working with clients, I love spending time with my wife and two daughters. I am grateful for the beautiful area we live in, and, whenever possible, enjoy being active and outdoors in nature.