Matthew McKay
Matthew McKay, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, professor at the Wright Institute, and cofounder of Haight Ashbury Psychological Services and the Berkeley CBT Clinic. He is the prolific author or coauthor of more than 40 books, including The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, with combined sales exceeding 2.5 million copies worldwide.
Biography & Author's Journey
Matthew McKay, Ph.D., is a prominent American clinical psychologist, prolific author, and educator whose career has significantly shaped the landscape of self-help and evidence-based psychology publishing. Born in the mid-20th century, McKay completed his undergraduate studies in political science at the University of San Francisco, earned an M.A. in psychology from San Jose State University, and received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Early in his professional trajectory, McKay’s work at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic exposed him to the mental health challenges faced by underserved populations, fostering a lifelong commitment to accessible, affordable psychological care.
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Popular Books
Coping With an Angry Partner/Cassette (Couple Skills)
Matthew McKay
Master essential relationship skills to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen intimacy with your partner through practical exercises and techniques.
When Anger Hurts Your Kids
Matthew McKay
A practical guide to managing anger, offering strategies to recognize triggers and develop healthier emotional responses in everyday life.
The Anger Control Workbook
Matthew McKay
A practical guide offering innovative techniques to manage anger effectively in daily life, improving relationships and emotional well-being.
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook
Matthew McKay
Master DBT skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships through practical exercises and evidence-based techniques.
Coping With an Angry Partner/Cassette (Couple Skills)
Matthew McKay
Master essential relationship skills to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen intimacy with your partner through practical exercises and techniques.
When Anger Hurts Your Kids
Matthew McKay
A practical guide to managing anger, offering strategies to recognize triggers and develop healthier emotional responses in everyday life.
The Anger Control Workbook
Matthew McKay
A practical guide offering innovative techniques to manage anger effectively in daily life, improving relationships and emotional well-being.
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook
Matthew McKay
Master DBT skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships through practical exercises and evidence-based techniques.
Discover more
Master Mind, Habits & Behavioral Science
Master Mind, Habits & Behavioral Science
This plan bridges the gap between neurological theory and practical application for anyone seeking total self-mastery. It is ideal for professionals, leaders, and individuals looking to optimize their performance by understanding the science of how they think and act.
Master Psychology, Sleep & Mental Health
Master Psychology, Sleep & Mental Health
This comprehensive guide bridges the gap between neurological function and emotional well-being, offering a holistic approach to mental health. It is ideal for individuals seeking to improve their quality of life through science-backed sleep strategies and proven therapeutic frameworks.
Top PsyD, Hypnotherapist & Spiritual Leader
Top PsyD, Hypnotherapist & Spiritual Leader
This comprehensive curriculum bridges the gap between clinical excellence and spiritual depth, perfect for aspiring practitioners who seek a holistic approach to mental health. It is designed for those looking to combine rigorous psychological science with the transformative power of hypnotherapy and spiritual leadership.
Master stress & mindfulness
Master stress & mindfulness
In our increasingly demanding world, chronic stress and emotional overwhelm have become default states for many professionals and individuals. This comprehensive mindfulness program combines ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience to provide practical tools for anyone seeking to reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and cultivate lasting inner peace—whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your existing practice.
Explore Mental Health, Mindfulness & Psych
Explore Mental Health, Mindfulness & Psych
In an era of constant distraction and stress, understanding the mechanics of the mind is essential for sustained well-being. This plan is designed for anyone seeking to bridge the gap between psychological theory and practical, evidence-based tools for mental transformation.
Mind, Health & Psychology Mastery
Mind, Health & Psychology Mastery
In an era of high stress and constant distraction, understanding the intersection of psychology and neuroscience is essential for personal and professional success. This plan is designed for individuals seeking to master their mental health, enhance cognitive performance, and build the emotional resilience needed for high-pressure environments.
Live Mindfully & Happily
Live Mindfully & Happily
In an increasingly fast-paced world, this plan provides a scientific and philosophical roadmap for mental clarity and emotional health. It is ideal for anyone seeking to reduce anxiety and find deeper meaning through structured, evidence-based practices.
Master Self, Mind, Love & Productivity
Master Self, Mind, Love & Productivity
This comprehensive plan bridges the gap between psychological health and professional excellence. It is designed for high-achievers who want to balance internal mental mastery with external productivity and meaningful human connection.
Community Voices
"Matthew McKay, PhD, is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley and author of more than 30 professional psychology and self-help books"
— Goodreads
"Matthew McKay has consistently ranked among top authors for self-esteem, depression, and mental health resources"
— ThriftBooks
"Matthew McKay is known for helping thousands cultivate better relationships through his classic, best-selling communication skills book Messages"
— Strathmore University Library
"Dr. Matthew McKay has authored and coauthored numerous books, including The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook and The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook"
— Research Press
"Matthew McKay’s The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook broke new ground in self-help resources when it was released more than ten years ago"
— Audible
"Seeking Jordan was founded by Dr. Matthew McKay after the profound loss of his son, guiding souls through loss and healing"
— Seeking Jordan
"Matthew McKay, PhD, is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA, and has written extensively on cognitive behavioral therapy"
— Audible
"Matthew McKay’s Self-Esteem is the go-to guide for those seeking to increase their sense of self-worth"
— Audible
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
