Meet Our Therapists
Our therapists integrate the concept of “The Middle Way” into services that honor the power of the intellectual mind — yet simultaneously awaken ways of knowing that go beyond intellect and information to help you enhance your healing process, peace of mind, and enjoyment of life.
Matthew Word
Associate Therapist
Accepting New Clients
he/him
Matthew Word, LMSW, CHT, is a highly skilled and compassionate psychotherapist specializing in working with adults, teens, and couples. With a unique blend of trauma-based psychotherapy, Depth Hypnosis, and Shamanic Counseling, Matthew offers a comprehensive approach to mental health and well-being. His practice is deeply rooted in understanding and nurturing each client’s unique journey, ensuring that the therapeutic process is guided by their interests and needs.
In his practice, Matthew combines his extensive wisdom, experience, and training to collaborate effectively with clients in achieving their personal goals. He honors every client’s autonomy, individuality, and humanity, creating a safe and respectful therapeutic environment.
Matthew is proficient in various therapeutic techniques, including Depth Hypnosis, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and the Gottman Method. His training in the Gottman Method, renowned for its effectiveness in couples therapy, enhances his ability to support relationships and improve communication and intimacy among couples.
His therapeutic approach is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors, as well as those seeking support in emotional regulation. Matthew’s expertise in EMDR enables him to help clients reprocess difficult experiences and trauma, fostering healing and personal growth.
At Middle Way Healing, Matthew’s overarching goal is to assist people in finding joy, personal growth and stability. He is dedicated to helping his clients reprocess challenging experiences, achieve a sense of well-being, and ultimately become their best selves.
Eve Udesky
Associate Therapist
Accepting New Clients
she/her
Eve Udesky, LMSW, is a psychotherapist focused on work with adolescents, adults and older adults. She is a people champion and enjoys helping individuals navigate difficult times and make impactful changes in their lives. Eve believes that each individual can develop a kinder and more compassionate relationship with themselves, and she enjoys being a part of that process.
Eve’s therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and based in psychodynamic, compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches. Eve also employs a mindfulness perspective which can deepen approaches to healing.
For couples work, Eve employs Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which encourages couples to build from existing relationship strengths and learn practical communication tools to successfully process disputes and unresolved issues. This highly effective therapy technique can help couples move towards closeness and fulfillment.
Eve will meet you where you are with warmth, openness and non-judgement, whether you are navigating a crisis or simply want to live a more fulfilling life. The goals of her practice are to help you:
• Heal from relational trauma
• Navigate difficult life transitions
• Deepen self-awareness and self-compassion
• Live a more satisfying and self-actualized life
• Celebrate change and growth
Nino Winterbottom
Associate Therapist
Accepting New Clients
they/them
Nino Winterbottom, MHC-LP, works with teens, adults, and couples. They act as an ally and accomplice, aiding clients in shedding the old stories that hold them back and embracing their full potential. Nino’s approach combines psychodynamic and narrative therapy with creative arts, mindfulness, somatic approaches, and DBT skills. Individual sessions may consist of talking, drawing, guided meditation, and/or skills education. Couples sessions follow the Gottman Method, a highly researched intervention that enhances existing strengths while teaching new communication strategies. Nino’s training in EMDR allows them to help clients reprocess difficult experiences and past traumas. They believe that therapy is just another word for the wisdom humans have always held – we hurt and are healed in relationship to others. When not at Middle Way, they provide therapy at a local high school and co-facilitate an LGBTQ+ community meditation group.
“I have had to learn to invite my broken heart to dine with me at the table. It is meaningless to run now. My broken heart is not a judgment or a crime. It is a detailed record of how I have tried to meet the violence of the world with as much openness as possible.”
“‘You can when you mean to,’ said Maurice gently. ‘You can do anything once you know what it is.’”
Olivia Conway
Intake Coordinator, Clinical Intern
Accepting New Clients
she/her
Olivia Conway is a Master’s candidate at Northwestern University working towards her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Olivia believes that the therapeutic relationship is central to the healing process. She makes it a priority to create an environment that is warm, collaborative, and free from judgement where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Olivia is of the opinion that there’s no “one size fits all” approach to healing. She draws from a range of psychodynamic theories and techniques to help clients identify and work through unconscious conflicts, unresolved traumas, and relational patterns that may contribute to emotional distress and interpersonal difficulties.
By providing culturally sensitive care, Olivia aims to help clients:
• Foster a deeper understanding of how past experiences influence present circumstances
• Move toward personal growth and positive change
• Employ healthy coping skills and improve emotional regulation
• Explore themes related to identity development
• Develop a greater capacity for intimacy and connection in relationships
• Find peace and meaning amidst the chaos that life can bring
Ben Thompson
Clinical Intern
Accepting New Clients
(he/him)
Ben Thompson is a masters candidate at Touro University working towards a clinical degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Ben has an intrinsic understanding of the radical benefits of therapy. He sees relationships as fundamental to our wellbeing and strives to create a welcoming and supportive space for families, couples, and individuals to explore their thoughts, behaviors and emotions.
While staying empathetic and understanding of each person’s unique perspectives, Ben will utilize integrative techniques and a trauma-informed perspective to empower his clients to nurture their goals, honor their belief systems, and work towards a path of true self discovery. Couples sessions follow the Gottman Method, a highly researched intervention that enhances existing strengths while teaching new communication strategies.
Central to Ben’s philosophy is the belief in everyone’s capacity for change. He encourages taking that initial step towards transformation, offering guidance and support throughout the process.
Tara Rullo
Owner, Clinical Director
Waitlist Only
she/her
Tara Rullo, LCSW, believes that every person has the ability to heal, grow, and experience wellness and joy. She has over twenty years of experience in the mental health field and is the founder of Middle Way Healing. Tara’s therapy approach is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and incorporates a blend of mindfulness, practical skills, and cognitive restructuring. Tara is also registered Kundalini yoga teacher and offers yoga-informed somatic therapy which can include work with the breath, body awareness, and some movement. For couples work, Tara employs Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which encourages couples to build from existing relationship strengths and learn practical communication tools to successfully process disputes and unresolved issues. This highly effective therapy technique can help couples move towards closeness and fulfillment. Tara also employs therapy practices which bring forth a deeper connection to intuition and the wisdom of the body such as Focusing, Emotional Freedom Technique, and Mindfulness Meditation. Additionally, she offers treatment through EMDR for those seeking relief from past unresolved trauma. Tara’s therapeutic style is warm and welcoming. She strives to understand your experience and worldview without judgement. Tara will listen deeply and help to create a therapy environment that allows newness and evolution.
The goals of her practice are to help you:
• Deepen self-awareness and self-knowing
• Increase connection with yourself and others
• Heal from painful experiences and memories
• Live a more integrated and satisfying life
Contact: tara@middlewayhealing.com
Jen Ottman
Practice Coordinator
she/her
Jen Ottman is our practice coordinator and assists clients with scheduling, billing, insurance questions, and any other assistance they may need along the way. She is currently pursuing her masters degree in clinical psychology, driven by her passion for the transformative impact of the therapeutic journey.
Contact: admin@middlewayhealing.com