Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Therapy Partner in San Luis Obispo
Tidelands Counseling is a dedicated therapy practice committed to delivering compassionate, client-centered mental health services. Since 1999, we have specialized in treating complex conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), anxiety, depression, and trauma, utilizing evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Therapy and Schema Therapy. Our founder, Mat Chirman, brings over 25 years of clinical expertise and specialized training to support individuals, couples, and families in achieving meaningful personal growth. We prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance, tailoring treatment plans to each client's unique needs, and fostering resilience through mindfulness, skills development, and psychoeducation. Our practice is grounded in recovery-focused principles, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and respect for clients' inherent strengths.With licenses in California and Oregon, and certifications from the Beck Institute and International Society of Schema Therapy, we maintain rigorous professional standards. Our services include individual therapy, couples counseling, family sessions, and group programs, alongside educational resources for BPD families. We are committed to accessibility, offering flexible therapeutic modalities and a free initial consultation to ensure a suitable client-therapist fit. Recognized with the 2025 Mary Riemersma Distinguished Clinical Member Award, our practice combines clinical excellence with a deep understanding of the challenges clients face. Through personalized care and community education, we strive to empower individuals to navigate emotional difficulties and build fulfilling lives.
Services
BPD Therapy
Individual Counseling
Couples Therapy
Family Counseling
Group Programs
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized experience treating Borderline Personality Disorder.
- Our therapists hold advanced certifications from the Beck Institute and Schema Therapy organizations.
- Client-centered approach prioritizes your unique needs and personal growth goals.
- Combines evidence-based methods with mindfulness and skills-building techniques.
- Free initial consultation ensures optimal therapist-client compatibility.
Associations and certifications
- Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research
- International Society of Schema Therapy
Services
BPD Therapy
Specialized Borderline Personality Disorder therapy utilizing evidence-based approaches to address emotional dysregulation, relationship instability, and self-destructive patterns. Our treatment integrates Cognitive Therapy techniques with Schema Therapy principles to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve interpersonal functioning. With over 20 years of clinical experience treating BPD, we provide both individual sessions and family support programs to address the complex needs of clients and their loved ones.
Individual Counseling
One-on-one therapy addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions through personalized treatment plans. Our client-centered approach combines mindfulness practices, psychoeducation, and skills-building exercises to enhance emotional resilience and self-awareness. Sessions focus on identifying unhelpful thought patterns, developing coping strategies, and fostering personal growth through a supportive therapeutic relationship that adapts to each client's evolving needs.
Couples Therapy
Couples counseling designed to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen emotional connections. We address challenges including differing parenting styles, financial disagreements, and intimacy issues through structured therapeutic interventions. Our approach emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and skill development to help partners navigate relationship dynamics more effectively while maintaining mutual respect and understanding.
Family Counseling
Family therapy programs focusing on improving communication patterns and establishing healthy boundaries. We provide education about mental health conditions like BPD while teaching practical strategies for managing emotional intensity and supporting loved ones' recovery journeys. Sessions emphasize compassionate understanding while maintaining self-care practices for family members navigating complex relational dynamics.
Group Programs
Structured group therapy sessions for clients with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders. These programs offer peer support while teaching specific coping skills through psychoeducational content and experiential learning. Groups focus on emotion regulation techniques, interpersonal effectiveness strategies, and relapse prevention methods within a supportive community setting that fosters shared learning and mutual encouragement.
People
Mat Chirman
Therapist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25+ years of experience treating complex mental health conditions. Specializes in Borderline Personality Disorder and trauma recovery using Cognitive and Schema Therapy approaches. Holds advanced certifications from the Beck Institute and International Society of Schema Therapy.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use for BPD treatment?
We primarily use Cognitive Therapy and Schema Therapy techniques, supported by mindfulness practices and psychoeducation tailored to each client's needs.
How long are therapy sessions?
Initial consultations last 45 minutes, with standard sessions following the same duration unless specific treatment requirements dictate otherwise.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, the first 45-minute session is complimentary if we determine the therapeutic relationship isn't a good fit.
What mental health conditions do you specialize in?
We specialize in Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma recovery, and relationship challenges.
Are there resources for family members?
Yes, we offer BPD family support groups and educational resources to help loved ones understand the disorder and develop effective coping strategies.
What if I need emergency mental health support?
For crises, we recommend contacting local emergency services, visiting the nearest ER, or calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Reviews (1)
Chris D.
Jan 21, 2021
Report
Very professional and nice. Inside the office is full of beautiful paintings. I recommend this place.
