Margaret Whitehair
Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor, LPC/S
Board Certified and Registered Art Therapist, ATR-BC
EMDRIA Certified EMDR therapist
Spanish / English Bilingual
Being a responsible adult and managing all the demands of your day-to-day life can take a toll on your energy and mood. Many of us, even those who “have it all” and “should be OK”, often get by with a bare minimum of reserves. I want to help you progress from “survive” to “thrive.” A lot of that energy that should be available to us is often locked in the past, in our difficulties and traumas, and in the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. These stories are important, but they need to be updated to reflect our current strength and growth. Freeing up this stagnant energy will allow you to be more present and have a fuller, more joyful life.
As a therapist, I offer different approaches according to your needs. I like to describe different depths of therapy as “snorkeling” and “scuba diving.” For example, “snorkeling” may be appropriate when you need to get specific things in order or want short-term, solution-focused therapy. Or we can go “scuba diving” by looking into your history, roots, family, and past experiences. Or we can do both, depending on what you need.
Psychodynamic and analytical theory, family systems, attachment theory, and interpersonal neurobiology inform my approach in sessions. I also use my experience as an artist and musician, and my personal yoga and mindfulness practice to support our work in session. My approach is trauma-informed and person-centered and I strive to educate myself to be culturally competent. Tools that I can use include EMDR (trained) and Art therapy, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and being bilingual in Spanish and English.
Understanding the patterns and dynamics that are present within ourselves and in our relationships with others can help us cope with all the challenges in our lives. I want to support you, listen, and create a safe environment where you can fully be yourself, and also move towards the person you want to become.
I believe creativity is a tool we all have access to and can use to move in the direction we want to go, even when we don't always know exactly where that is. Having a safe place to explore parts of self that are unexplored or rejected, or (those thoughts, fears, and wishes )while being witnessed and supported in the process, can help make sense of this strange and unique experience we live. I believe that healing and connectedness go hand in hand and that health and the integration and acceptance of all our parts can create the experience of true well-being.