ABOUT MATI SICHERER
As a therapist, my goal is to empower my clients by fostering awareness, deepening understanding, and shining a light on the choices we all have as human beings. I firmly believe that every person deserves to be honored, heard, acknowledged, and respected. Each of us is the expert of our own experiences; as such, I work collaboratively with my clients to help find a path toward individual and meaningful change.
My work focuses mainly on couples and adults and I am trained to treat a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, communication skills, life transitions, and more.
In addition, I am an experienced parenting educator and work with parents (individually and as couples) who may be experiencing struggles within their families related to academic and behavioral issues, learning disabilities, ADHD, executive function, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also have extensive knowledge of food allergies and their potential effect on family dynamics.
My interest in helping people has been at the center of everything I do. From writing books and articles on counseling, to volunteering at soup kitchens with my husband and five children, to training and certifying my dogs to be therapy dogs (and then working side by side with them!), everything that I have ever done has centered on trying to leave this world a little nicer than it was when I got here.
- Neurodiverse-affirming
- Culturally inclusive
- LGBTQ+ affirming
- 25+ years of experience in the counseling field
APPROACH TO THERAPY
My approach to therapy is based on an existential orientation rooted in the basic idea that all people have the capacity for self-awareness and change. Within that framework, I use a holistic approach and utilize tools across disciplines based on each individual’s needs within the therapy room.
COUPLES/POLY/SEX THERAPY
I have worked with couples extensively and have completed Level 2 training in the Gottman method as well as Gottman training in affairs and trauma. I am also trained in sex therapy techniques including Sensate Focus. I specialize in helping couples reconnect with one another while teaching them concrete ways to hold space for each other within their relationship.
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
- EdD in Special Education
- MA in Counseling
- Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional
- Approved Clinical Supervisor Training
- Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) Trainer Certified
- Reiki Certification
PUBLICATIONS
Books
Sicherer, M. (2020). The Elementary School Counselor’s Guide to Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities: A Comprehensive Program. London, England: Routledge Press.
Sicherer, M. (2019). College for Students with Learning Disabilities: A High School Counselor’s Guide to Fostering Success. London, England: Routledge Press.
Articles
Sicherer, M. (2021). My Teens are Leaving for College and My Life Won’t Be the Same. Your Teen for Parents Magazine, https://yourteenmag.com/teens-college/college-life/teens-are-leaving-for-college
Sicherer, M. (2018). Beyond the IEP, School Counselor Magazine. 56(1). 23-27. Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association.
Sicherer, M. (1999, Sept/Oct). Twins, Again.” Twins Magazine. 14. Englewood, CO. Twins Magazine.
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Sicherer, M. (2014). Exploring Teacher Knowledge About Dyslexia and Teacher Efficacy in the Inclusive Classroom: A Multiple Case Study. (Doctoral Thesis). Northcentral University. Scottsdale, AZ.
Shemesh, E., Annunziato, R. A., Ambrose, M. A., Ravid, N. L., Mullarkey, C., Rubes, M., Chuang, K., Sicherer, M., … Sicherer, S. H. (2013). Child and parental reports of bullying in a consecutive sample of children with food allergy. Pediatrics, 131(1), e10-7.
Lieberman, J. A., Weiss, C., Furlong, T. J., Sicherer, M., & Sicherer, S. H. (2010). Bullying among pediatric patients with food allergy. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 105(4), 282-286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2010.07.011.
Dissertation
Sicherer, M. (2014). Exploring Teacher Knowledge About Dyslexia and Teacher Efficacy in the Inclusive Classroom: A Multiple Case Study. (Doctoral Thesis). Northcentral University. Scottsdale, AZ.
AWARDS
- New Jersey School Counselor Association – School Counselor of the Year
- New Jersey School Counselor Association – Humanitarian Award
