Betsy Maguire

Meet Betsy

Each of us dreams of the life we want. But obstacles can interfere with accomplishing our aspirations. We may feel alone or unsure of how to meet challenges. At that point, a trusted and trained listener can help you move forward by developing a plan with you. I am that kind of listener. I promise to hear not only your words but also your heart as we work together in therapy toward realizing your dreams.

I have more than 41 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families and support groups in health and mental health care settings in the U.S. and Canada. My clinical expertise is grounded in Family Systems theory and client-centered interpersonal therapy. These approaches focus on the well- being of the whole family rather than just an individual. I emphasize individual and family strengths, and concentrate on empowering and motivating my clients. I also use cognitive behavioral therapy to build an individual’s skills and confidence to change behavior patterns. Managing stress and learning to relax is key to health, so I teach those techniques, too.

I believe in the power of self-expression for healing and use expressive interventions, including play therapy, art, sandplay therapy, journaling, and bibliotherapy to improve health. Self-expression helps us understand ourselves and builds strong coping skills so we can adapt to or resolve problems or detrimental situations. Our work together could focus on anxiety; self-esteem and confidence; school and peer adjustment issues; parent-child guidance on child development, behavior management, and communication; medical illness; and adapting to life transitions such as loss and grief related to health, separation, divorce, employment, or death.

My hope is that by exploring your concerns in therapy, the dreams and feelings in your heart can become clear, filled with hope, and turn into the reality you seek. My 9-year-old Sheltie-girl, Starry Skylar Blu, is a registered therapy dog and provides animal assisted therapy with individuals and families during our therapy sessions, if appropriate.

I look forward to working with you!