About Me
Welcome to my practice! I offer one-on-one and couples counseling sessions rooted in mindfulness and compassion.
I know that reaching out for support can be difficult. Investigating avenues of help is a great step in the right direction! First, just a bit about me… My name is Matthew Sockolov, and I am a meditation teacher who has worked for 10 years at meditation centers, yoga studios, addiction treatment facilities, and with students from across the world.
Mindfulness was first introduced to me as a young teenager, and I had no lasting interest. However, as I began to face more intense struggles in my life in the form of addiction and depression, I returned to the seed of mindfulness that had been planted by my parents so many years before.
After investigating different paths and settling on one, I dove headfirst into meditation. I spent time at various monasteries in California, sat on many meditation retreats, and found a teacher with whom I connected deeply.
When the hub of my meditation tradition in the US, Spirit Rock, announced a new round of teacher training, I followed the calling. The nearly 3 year long program helped me take my personal experience and offer it in a useful way to those around me.
My partner, Elizabeth, and I opened a meditation center in Northern California. We taught at yoga studios, treatment centers, with government programs, and much more. In 2018, we ended up leaving the meditation center in very capable hands and moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where we now live with our two children.
I continue to teach online, work with individuals one-on-one, and attend meditation retreats. I have written two books, one of which is a bestseller on Amazon.
I work with many people from different backgrounds and with different needs. Whether you are looking to dive deep into the Buddhist teachings or wanting to start a secular mindfulness practice, I am here to support you.
Learn to Meditate
Are you hoping to start a meditation practice, but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve tried but can’t seem to make it work. I have worked with countless people with the same experience. Together we will build a plan of practice that works for you, not just the same old meditations you’ve tried repeatedly.
What I Offer
Meet Life with Mindfulness
One of my passions is taking these powerful practices and applying them to everyday life. Whether you just want to be more present or have a specific issue you are dealing with, I will help you incorporate mindfulness into your life, actions, speech, and thoughts.
Dive into Buddhism
Although many people are searching for a secular introduction to mindfulness, some come to me looking for a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings. Together we can go through core teachings, discourses, and/or techniques to gain a deeper understanding.
"Written with great clarity and care, Matthew Sockolov's book is an excellent tutorial in learning how to begin and sustain a mindfulness practice and meditation in one's life.”
— Sharon Salzberg, on my book Practicing Mindfulness