Matthew Enkema, PhD
I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance use challenges.
While my practice is grounded in rigorous, evidence-based therapies, my core focus is always on understanding you as a whole person and helping you build a life aligned with your values.
Training and Experience
As a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience, I work with people who feel stuck in repetitive patterns of worry, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors. Many of those I see are highly capable and driven, yet find themselves caught in cycles that are difficult to break alone. My role is to help you gain clarity on these dynamics and cultivate flexible, adaptive ways of responding.
I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington, where I focused on evidence-based treatments for anxiety and OCD. I completed my clinical internship at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (Seattle Division) and went on to pursue advanced postdoctoral training in OCD, substance use disorders, anxiety, and mindfulness-based protocols. Prior to transitioning into private practice, I served as a staff psychologist in the Anxiety Center at the Evidence Based Treatment Centers of Seattle.
Alongside my clinical work at Evergreen Therapy, I serve as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Washington, providing supervision to clinical psychology doctoral students treating OCD and anxiety. Staying active in academic teaching and research ensures that the care I provide is informed by current scientific developments.
My Approach to Therapy
My primary framework is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Behavioral Activation (BA), and cognitive restructuring. Depending on your needs, I also integrate tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness practices. Rather than relying on a standardized formula, we will collaborate to tailor an approach suited to your specific goals and identity.
Outside the Office
Raised in Bellevue, I’ve called Seattle home for the last two decades. Outside of my clinical work, I stay busy spending time with my wife and our two young children, getting outdoors around the Pacific Northwest, and playing competitive tennis.
My Approach to Treatment
I am deeply committed to using evidence-based treatments to help you find balance and freedom from what has been troubling you. I focus on assisting my clients as they build skills in four core domains:
Awareness
Awareness has to do with getting out of auto-pilot. Mental health problems have triggers, or experiences that trigger problematic patterns of thinking and action. Often the problematic patterns seem as though they happen automatically and there is nothing one can do about them. Increasing awareness empowers you to turn off the auto-pilot and choose how you respond to triggers.
Change
Change is often one of the primary goals of treatment for my clients. I have many tools for you to use and skills for you to practice as you learn how to change your thinking, actions, physiology, and emotions. You will practice these skills with me during our meetings and on your own between sessions.
Willingness
Willingness is a way of relating to experience with curiosity and kindness, without engaging in excessive and ineffective efforts to control. I will introduce you to exercises and techniques for you to use as you practice discerning between what can and cannot be changed.
Motivation
Motivation is at the core of effective treatment, and is thus central to our work together. As treatment progresses you will experience more time, energy, and attention to devote to your highest priorities. I will assist you as you clarify what fills your heart and makes you feel most alive. We will use this knowledge to guide us through our work together.
Licensure
Psychologist, PY PY61110536 (WA state)
PSYPACT APIT Number: 18938
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Clinical Psychology, University of Washington
Masters of Science (MS), Clinical Psychology, University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology, Seattle University
Advanced Training
Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education (CESATE), Seattle VA Hospital
Clinical Internship, Seattle VA Hospital
Specific Therapies Offered
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Anxiety Disorders and OCD
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD
Behavioral Activation (BA) for Depression
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Substance use problems
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) for Substance use problems
Primary areas of focus
Anxiety disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Additional Areas of focus
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Sleep difficulties
Substance use concerns
Stress
Burnout
Chronic pain