Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia McGuire.
Hi Patricia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The story of Patricia McGuire Counseling started in the early 2000s when I had my first Psychology class in high school and I was hooked. I was fascinated by personality types, emotional intelligence, theories of behavior change, and the history of psychotherapy. As a “people person” – I loved learning and knowing more about…people. What makes us tick, what gets us stuck, and what helps us flourish and thrive.
I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2010 from the University of Central Missouri. I then spent a few years living and working abroad in the non-profit sector. After that, I worked as an in-home caregiver for older adults in rural Missouri. These working experiences enhanced my desire to help people find relief from suffering both individually and collectively.
That led me to pursue and complete my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2015 from Wheaton College. My graduate program provided me an invaluable experience steeped in learning theories of change, clinical interventions, counseling skills, and human wellness. Most importantly, it allowed me the privilege to practice therapy with folks from all walks of life. I built a bedrock of therapeutic knowledge through my first jobs in community mental health and group practices in the greater Chicago area as I accrued my supervision and clinical hours.
In 2018, I became fully licensed while living and working in Michigan. This was an incredible new chapter in my career as I was able to practice independently. This season of autonomy in my clinical work allowed me to explore my therapeutic style and develop specialty skills.
The more I counseled clients and learned from their stories, the more it became clear that the relationship between the client and therapist is the most important part of therapy. (Mountains of research supports this as well!) This guided me to pursue a postgraduate certificate in Relational Psychodynamic Therapy from the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute, which I completed in 2023. This program is founded on the empirical reality that healing happens in relationship, and most profoundly within the framework of a therapy relationship. Completing this program helped me be more emotionally open, relationally aware, and depth-oriented in my therapeutic process.
My identity as a therapist has been shaped by each part of my academic and training experiences, but most importantly, it has been informed by my clients, my humanity, and my own work in therapy over the years. Who I am as a therapist is inextricably linked to who I am as a human—someone who is on this messy, scary, joyous, weird, awkward, exciting journey. Just like everyone else.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is any road smooth? Would life be interesting if the road was smooth? There are a couple of challenges that come to mind when I think about my development as a therapist in the last 10+ years. Looking back now, these experiences don’t necessarily feel like struggles I endured, but rather like change processes that helped me grow—even though they were uncomfortable at the time.
Initially in my career, the imposter syndrome was very real. Do I belong here? Am I helpful? What is my identity as a licensed professional counselor? Finding the answers to these questions took patience, supervision, and practice as I allowed myself to trust my learning process with its discomfort, confusion, and insights along the way. With the help of supervisors, mentors, fellow therapists, and—most importantly—clients who allowed me to walk alongside them, I found my authentic voice as a therapist. I’m still learning, always growing, and could not do this work without my professional and personal community around me.
Another struggle was finding the courage to open my own practice. I have worked for some great organizations and practices over the years and it was a big leap of faith to start my own practice in 2024. Practicing therapy in my own space has been liberating, exciting, and challenging at times. And I am so glad I took the leap!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work with adults who are curious about who they are and how they show up in the world. We each have a unique story that impacts how we relate to others, respond to stress, and connect with ourselves. It’s an honor to be with clients as they courageously take the deep dive to explore and understand themselves in the context of their stories. I believe in the power of therapy to help us find clarity and healing to create meaningful, healthy lives.
Therapy is a nuanced experience built on the unique working relationship between the client and myself. It is dynamic and relational – each session may feel different depending on the needs of the moment. My therapeutic approach is grounded in existential, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral frameworks. I am trauma-informed and guided by mindfulness-based philosophies. My aim is to meet each client as a whole person, capable of acceptance and change. I strive to provide an open, respectful, and calm presence that allows clients to fully express themselves and feel understood. I am LGBTQIA affirming and Health At Every Size aligned. My specialties include: anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, eating disorders, and body image concerns.
What matters most to you? Why?
I believe the power of relationships is the lifeforce of our stories. We are not meant be alone. We are formed, hurt, and healed in relationship. To paraphrase Robert Frost and John Green: The only way out is through and the only way through is together. When I look back on the story of Patricia McGuire Counseling, it is clear that I made it through this process because I was seen, understood, encouraged, and supported by lovely and dedicated people every step of the way.
Therapy is for everyone, in any season, at any time. I love seeing clients get unstuck and moving through life with more ease, self-acceptance, and connection.
Pricing:
- 50 minute Individual Therapy session: $165
- Supervision Hour: $100
- Sliding scale spots are available based on income/scheduling.
Contact Info:
