Matthew McKay

Matthew McKay, PhD, stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of psychology, with a profound impact rooted in his extensive academic and professional journey. As a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, McKay has dedicated himself to the advancement of psychological understanding and practice. His career has been notably marked by his co-founding of New Harbinger Publications, a beacon for self-help literature, and his long-standing leadership as the clinical director at Haight Ashbury Psychological Services in San Francisco. Currently, he directs the Berkeley CBT Clinic, where his influence continues to shape the field. Among McKay's prolific body of work, "The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook" stands as a testament to his expertise in psychological techniques and interventions. This seminal text, celebrated for its practicality and depth, offers invaluable exercises in mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. With over 30 books to his name, McKay's contributions have reached a global audience, resonating with both professionals and lay readers alike. His works, collectively amassing sales exceeding three million copies, underscore his role as a pivotal voice in self-help and psychological education. Beyond his scholarly achievements, McKay's literary pursuits extend into the realms of fiction and poetry, where his creative expression has found a home in numerous literary magazines and volumes published by Plum Branch Press. His novel "Wawona Hotel," released by Boaz Press in 2008, further exemplifies his versatility and narrative craft. Through his diverse oeuvre, McKay has not only advanced psychological practice but also enriched the literary landscape with his unique voice and insights.