About Me
I believe that each of us has an innate ability to heal when given the proper holding space, compassion & gentle guidance. I work with people in a supportive & non-judgmental setting to explore their thoughts, feelings & relationships. I focus on how their strengths can help guide them toward more adaptive ways of coping & help them identify areas that are in need of change. I value patience & deep listening to assist the individual in identifying new, more adaptive, ways of thinking & behaving. Together, you & I will outline a plan for initiating positive change in your life. Through this supportive therapeutic relationship, we work toward sustained improvement in multiple areas of your experience & functioning.
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I have extensive experience treating individuals who are struggling with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety & general difficulties with relationships, as well as adjustment & life transition issues, interpersonal difficulties & other emotional issues. I have experience working in a variety of mental health settings including community mental health, intensive outpatient & college mental health. I worked in higher education for close to 20 years as a director, faculty & clinician providing psychotherapy to adolescents & adults in a university counseling center. Therefore, I have a broad understanding of the challenges facing students in the university setting as well as the policies & procedures required therein.
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I competed as a Division I student-athlete & continue to participate in competitive sport. I have a keen understanding of the demands of performance & have worked with collegiate athletes, coaches & trainers at all levels as well as performers across arts & entertainment. I have a significant understanding of the demands of life transitions & the challenges that accompany successfully navigating these developmental periods.
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My Doctorate is in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College in Maryland & I have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University. I live in Radnor with my husband, two sons, & our rescue dog, Ellie.
Specializing in Individual Psychotherapy & Treatment of Adolescents & Adults
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of our human existence. We can't avoid it! In fact, we need some anxiety to perform at our best. When it becomes severe, however, it gets in the way of school, work, or family. Our usual ways of coping may no longer work or we may lack helpful ways of coping all together. That is when counseling can be helpful. Therapy can assist you in identifying new ways of coping with the stress & anxiety that is interfering with your life. It can help you manage it more effectively so you feel more in control.
College Mental Health
Current statistics indicate that 1 in 3 of today's college students are in need of mental health treatment. Rates of anxiety, depression & suicidality have been on the rise over the past decade. Given my significant experience in higher education as a clinician, professor & administrator, I possess extensive knowledge of the demands of higher education as well as necessary policies & procedures for a student to sustain & be successful. I am able to assist & support individuals & families through every aspect of the university system as they navigate their way through this often challenging transition.
Depression
Have you been feeling sad or down? Have you lost interest in things that you used to enjoy? Do you find that you are withdrawing from friends & family? Are you feeling angry or irritable? Having difficulty in school, work or in your relationships? These can all be symptoms of depression. My compassionate approach to therapy provides a safe space for clients to work through their depression dealing with mood, thoughts, & patterns that are maladaptive & help them develop healthy strategies for improving their mood & overall functioning.
Adolescent & Young Adult Therapy
My clinical training & practice has focused on individuals in late adolescence & early adulthood. This is a time of wonderful developmental gains but can also be a period of significant challenge. Many teens can feel angry, withdrawn, depressed, oppositional, anxious, &/or distracted. They may engage in frequent arguing or fighting, failing classes, using drugs/alcohol, or may be having trouble adjusting to a new life situation. I am able to provide support & therapeutic space to emerging adults as they navigate through this individuation process into early adulthood. I provide gentle guidance while they gain the necessary skills to succeed in today's world.
Relationships
Are you having difficulty in your relationship with your family members? Did you previously have a good relationship with your child and/or parents & wonder what happened? Are you questioning why you are still in an unhealthy relationship? Did you just end a relationship & cannot seem to recover? Relationships are complex and ever-changing. I assist people in examining patterns in their relationships. As they begin to interact differently in relation with others, they are often able to experience richer & more fulfilling relationships with others.
Parent Consultation
Are you concerned about your adolescent &/or young adult child? Do they seem to be "adrift?" Are you unsure how to communicate with them any more? As children individuate from their parents, there can be significant withdrawal &/or conflict in the family. Issues such as divorce/separation, death or loss, mental illness or addiction among others can change the way families operate & relate. I will work with you to develop a plan & learn new strategies to interact with your family member(s). We can collaboratively work toward goals that will allow for stronger & more positive relationships.
Contact Me
For any questions you have, you can reach me directly using the telephone number &/or email address located here:
Sara T. Maggitti, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
484-254-6171