Matthew Malouf, Ph.D. (he/him)

I am a counseling psychologist who provides individual and couples therapy in Baltimore. I also offer training, supervision and technical-assistance to providers and organizations.  I have a background in the treatment of anxiety, depression and other common mental health concerns, and a specialty in working with issues related to sexuality, gender identity and differences of sex development.  

Approach to Therapy

I embrace a humanistic approach supported by research findings and informed by principles of family systems and queer theory.  This means we explore not only emotional or psychological functioning but also how you approach your broader needs as a human being.  We will explore how you understand your physical health, personal goals, social and family life, academic/career progress, as well as other aspects of identity and culture (e.g. race, ethnicity, immigration status, sexuality, gender, ability, etc.).  By looking at your present concerns through a lens of adaptation, we can understand the ways you respond to individual struggles and broader oppressive and/or broken systems.  We will explore how these responses might no longer work for you and help you grow self-compassion to explore alternatives.  As we continue to get to know one another and work on your goals, I will tailor strategies and interventions to customize your treatment and will rely on your feedback to help grow our work.

Approach to Gender Affirming Evaluations

As part of providing an LGBTQI2-S affirming practice, I provide evaluations to support gender affirming surgeries.  Click here to learn more about my approach.

Approach to Couples/Relationship Therapy

I have been trained in both Gottman Method (L2) and Emotion Focused Therapy (2 Day Certificate).  I generally rely more heavily on Gottman Method and also integrate concepts from IMAGO in my work with couples.  I have extensive experience working with same-sex couples as well as with couples where one or more partner may be exploring their gender identity or seeking medical/surgical transition.

Advocacy and Outreach

I believe that advocating across broader systems of care is critical in meeting the needs of LGBTQI people and am proud to have published journal articles and book chapters spanning multiple disciplines.  For nearly a decade, I was a member of SAMHSA’s National Workgroup to Address the Needs of Children and Youth Who Are LGBTQI2-S and Their Families, and have also been a medical advisor for Interconnect (formerly the AIS-DSD) support group.  I currently serve on the WPATH’s Standards of Care Revision Committee and am on the steering committee for Psychosocial Studies Intersex-International. 

Education

  • Ph.D. Counseling Psychology (APA Accredited), Lehigh University
  • M.Ed. Counseling and Human Services, Lehigh University
  • B.A. Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University

Training

  • Post-doctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Psychology (APA Accredited), Hartford Hospital
  • Doctoral Internship (APA Accredited), Georgia State University

Curriculum Vitae