GLR Spotlight is an interview series featuring Matchmakers, Dating Coaches & Relationship Experts
Global Love Report – January 29th, 2025
Interviewed by Global Love Report
Global Love Spotlight was created to feature some of our industry peers as a way for our community to get to know one another. Learn from what has worked successfully, as well as gain different perspectives and insights into various business strategies. We hope to continuously grow as an industry together by sharing these best practices with everyone!
Dr. Matthew Brinkley
Dr. Matthew Brinkley (he/they) is a passionate certified Science-Based Dating coach, life coach, and relationship expert who specializes in helping Black and Queer individuals and couples navigate the complexities of dating and relationships. As the owner of AuthenticiTea Coaching & Consulting LLC, Dr. Brinkley is committed to empowering clients to cultivate fulfilling, self-affirming lives and build healthy, thriving relationships.
In addition to his coaching practice, Dr. Brinkley is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC). Drawing on his unique perspective as a queer person of color, Dr. Brinkley integrates compassion into all aspects of mental health care, helping individuals overcome challenges with authenticity and care.
Discover more about him in the interview below!
Website: www.theauthenticitea.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @Dr.Brinkley
Global Love Report Interview
Global Love Report (GLR): What made you decide to become a dating and relationship coach?
Dr. Matthew Brinkley (MB): As a Black and queer therapist, I saw a gap in accessible, culturally competent resources for queer men, especially men of color, when it comes to dating and relationships. Many of my clients struggled with dating anxiety, shame around their sexuality, or navigating the complexities of modern relationships. I wanted to create a space where these topics could be addressed openly, with humor, vibrancy, and compassion, while giving actionable tools to help people date better and build meaningful relationships.
GLR: How do you think singles will benefit from a matchmaker with coaching skills?
MB: A matchmaker with coaching skills doesn’t just set you up with someone; they teach you how to sustain the connection. Coaching provides tools to address dating anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and approach love with confidence. For queer singles, especially gay men of color, it’s about feeling seen and supported in a way that honors their unique experiences.
GLR: What’s something new that you’ve learned that you’re excited to implement in your own business?
MB: Queer men of color often avoid dating due to fear of rejection, discomfort with intimacy, or a lack of effective tools. That’s why I created the 28-Day Dating Anxiety Journal—a resource designed to help queer men of color overcome these barriers. This guide empowers readers to navigate their fears and transform dating from an anxiety-filled experience into one rooted in confidence and authenticity. It’s also a great way for clients to track their progress while getting coached!
GLR: What’s something that you learned from the course that surprised you?
MB: One surprising takeaway was how much dating is about self-perception rather than strategy. Many people think their dating issues stem from external factors, but often, it’s internalized narratives—like shame, rejection sensitivity, or not feeling “enough”—that hold them back. Helping clients reframe these beliefs has been a game-changer.
GLR: What advice do you have for those who want to become a dating and relationship coach?
MB: Get clear on your “why.” If your passion isn’t rooted in empathy and understanding, it’ll show. Be prepared to invest in yourself first, and learn how to manage your own emotional blocks so you can hold space for others. For queer-focused coaches, it’s essential to approach the work with cultural competence and authenticity, as representation matters in creating safe spaces for your clients.
GLR: How do you approach working with clients who have different needs and goals when it comes to dating?
MB: I tailor my approach to each client. Whether they’re exploring non-monogamy, overcoming dating anxiety, or re-entering the dating world after a breakup, the key is collaboration. I listen deeply to their goals, help them identify their strengths, and use a blend of humor, accountability, and support to move them forward. My clients know their needs best, I’m just here to help guide them to their own answers.
Read for more Global Love Report Spotlight Interviews here.
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