Meet Matthew Fleming, Therapist at Bay Tree Therapy Group
Meet Matthew Fleming, a therapist whose personal journey through recovery and growth has shaped a compassionate, grounded, and deeply human approach to his work. Drawing from his own experiences and a deep curiosity about the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavior, Matthew helps clients uncover the roots of their challenges and build meaningful change from the inside out. Whether supporting individuals navigating addiction, healing from trauma, or striving for personal growth, Matthew brings empathy, insight, and a steady presence to every session.
What inspired you to become a therapist?
I decided to become a therapist after experiencing firsthand the challenges and transformation that come with addiction and recovery. My own journey deepened my empathy for others navigating similar struggles and inspired me to help people create meaningful change in their lives. Along the way, I developed a strong fascination with psychology and the ways our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors intertwine. I felt drawn to guide others in understanding themselves, healing, and building healthier patterns.
How would you describe your approach to therapy?
My approach to therapy integrates substantial rapport-building and the integration of therapeutic paradigms such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build practical skills for managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I also focus on exploring and understanding the underlying causes of addiction and mental health challenges, such as unresolved trauma, learned coping patterns, or unmet emotional needs, to promote lasting insight and meaningful change.
Who do you enjoy working with most?
I enjoy working with a wide range of clients, each with their own unique stories and challenges. However, I have a particular passion for supporting adult individuals struggling with substance use and addiction. I find deep meaning in helping clients explore the underlying causes of their addiction, understand the role substances play in their lives, and develop sustainable, healthier ways to cope and grow in recovery.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and create a foundation for our work together. I’ll explain the process of therapy and review informed consent, including confidentiality, your rights as a client, and what you can expect from me as your therapist. We’ll explore what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, and relevant background information to understand your life and goals better. My priority is to help you feel comfortable, supported, and heard as we begin building a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
What do you hope clients take away from therapy with you?
I hope clients leave therapy with a deeper understanding of themselves, their emotions, patterns, and needs, along with practical tools they can use to manage their mental health outside of our sessions. My goal is to help each person build lasting resilience and mental flexibility, empowering them to navigate life’s inevitable stress and uncertainty with greater clarity, confidence, and compassion.
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
Something that often surprises people about me is that before becoming a therapist, I built a career in horticulture and studied the science of plants and ecosystems. That background gave me a deep appreciation for growth, both in nature and in people. I’m passionate about the outdoors, spending much of my free time backpacking, hiking, and staying physically active as ways to recharge and stay grounded.
Connect with Matthew Fleming
Matthew’s perspective on therapy is rooted in authenticity, understanding, and the belief that healing happens through both self-awareness and action. He sees therapy as a collaborative process — one that helps clients develop practical tools for resilience while reconnecting with their sense of purpose and possibility. Outside the therapy room, Matthew’s love for the outdoors and background in horticulture reflect his appreciation for growth in all its forms — patient, natural, and deeply rewarding.
If you’re interested in working with Matthew or learning more about his approach, we invite you to reach out or schedule a consultation.
Matthew Fleming therapist, Bay Tree Therapy Group, Pleasanton therapy, addiction recovery therapist, trauma therapist Pleasanton, CBT therapist, DBT therapist, therapy for addiction, substance use counseling, recovery support, mental health therapist Bay Area, individual therapy Pleasanton, trauma-informed therapy, therapy for adults, emotional resilience therapy, personal growth counseling, mindfulness-based therapy, therapist spotlight, meet our therapists, holistic therapy Pleasanton
