Tristan Munchel

Growing up can feel like navigating uncharted territory, and for many teens and their families, the path isn’t always smooth. You might be facing social pressures, strained communication at home, or a sense of feeling lost as you figure out your place in the world. These struggles are real, but they don’t have to be overwhelming.

I’m Tristan Munchel, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate with Mathews Counseling, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about and work with you! I practice mainly with adolescents, adults, and families. My background is in community mental health, where I’ve worked as an intensive in-home family therapist and as a therapist for teens living in group homes. Being a teen, transitioning from childhood to adulthood, learning how you want to be in the world, is a journey full of opportunities and challenges. It’s an honor to support young people on this journey, to help them identify and use their strengths.

My approach, regardless of my client’s age, is always friendly and informal. It’s your life and you’re the expert on it—My role is to support you in pursuing your goals while navigating whatever challenges you’re facing. Towards that end, I use elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems. I am also certified in the use of Inference-Based CBT to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. I place a high emphasis on trauma sensitivity and processing. In order to get “unstuck” in life, we often need a safe space to work through difficult past experiences. Doing this may seem scary! But you’re capable of growing, and you deserve the support to help you do so.

It’s an honor to work with clients from all backgrounds, and I do my best to practice with openness, curiosity, and unconditional respect. In the past I’ve worked extensively with clients who were BIPOC, members of the LGBTQ+ community, families using language interpreters, and more.

Outside of being a clinical social worker I spend my time playing music, reading, and distance running. I’m a huge fan of both birds (the animals) and the birds (my beloved Baltimore Orioles).

Tristan is a therapist is meeting clients through Telehealth and in-person Durham. Please call 919-587-8018 for their latest availability, as appointment times fill up quickly. You can also request an appointment online.