WELCOME…
Hey...My name is Margie with a hard "g" and I welcome you to my home page where you may have landed for a respite, shift from your current state of overwhelm amidst life's challenges seeking support, guidance and a safe place to work through issues with a trustworthy mental health professional in online counseling.
I am a therapist and human being and am happy you landed here with me.
Are you seeking a psychotherapist who is passionate about providing partnership, support with clinical expertise and a compassionate professional approach in meeting you where you are in your life? Whether you may be struggling to overcome life's challenges, feelings of grief and loss. doubt and confusion, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, processing through past or present life transitions, I am here for you.
Are there relationship issues which have affected you showing up as your ‘best self’ as a partner, parent, family member, boss which you may need to address? Anxious, depressed, and not sure why? Not sure who to trust with your innermost feelings? Who is even trustworthy?
My name is Margaret FitzGerald, therapist, parent, and licensed clinical social worker. I have 15 years of experience in social work, most of which has been on the ground helping others of all ages in crisis, trauma, addiction, abuse, family of origin issues, gaslighting, parenting, and mental health. I provide a whole person/ family systems perspective with clinical tools and skills based on evidence-based practice, and a positive, accepting, solution-focused, strength-based, supportive approach of who and where you are at the moment.
Having trained at Family Therapy Institute at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after graduating with my Masters in Social Work from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and B.A. in Psychology from University of Maryland, College Park, MD, I moved to PA and worked with adolescents, adults, families, in an In-Home Family Therapy program where I provided all different types of professional clinical social work treatment for clients mostly from systems perspective providing a variety of clinical modalites with which to help clients in a space of acceptance of clients with unconditional positive regard of who and where they were in their present moment.
Let me help you get to where you want to be and improve your life. Make it your goal to call and get the support you need to create real and lasting change. I can help you create a plan, collaborate together in your walk to freedom and sustaining lasting change within your mindset, heart, and life path using my insight and wisdom, clinical and personal experience, and evidence-based practices to obtain your goals. Call or email me at the contact info and schedule an intake or consult today!
Shalom
What You Need To Know About Starting Therapy
What Can I Expect When I Start Therapy for the First Time with Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Margaret M. FitzGerald, L.C.S.W.?
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Your first appointment is called an intake session. The therapist uses the first session to evaluate the nature of the client's concerns by addressing any questions the client may have. Once the client is comfortable with moving forward with the clinician, the therapist will then start the intake assessment process, address the client's reason(s) for starting counseling, then develop a treatment plan that reflects your goals. Please note that it may take several sessions for the assessment and for the client to complete the intake process.
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Your appointment will start with an informal introduction. The therapist will ask you if you have any questions or concerns about the intake paperwork you completed. The therapist will address any questions or concerns you may have about the therapeutic process, inform you of your client rights, address confidentiality, and answer any questions or concerns about HIPPA (going over to make sure you understand or have any questions or concerns), review your reason for seeking therapy and develop an understanding of your goals and expectations for therapy. As we continue the intake process, we will set the stage for the next session, reflect on the session, discuss things to think about, and talk about in the next session.
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The therapy session is unique for each person and is tailored to meet their specific goals. It is standard to discuss primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. The sessions usually last 50 minutes each and are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. Occasionally, individuals going through an especially difficult challenge may request more than one session per week. Therapy can be short-term, focused on a specific issue, or it can be long-term, addressing more complex issues and/or personal growth over time. During therapy, you may be asked to take specific actions outside the sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. After each session, it's important to process what was discussed and integrate what you have learned into your daily life. Therapy is most effective when you are an active participant, both during and between sessions. I recommend that you have a journal to help you keep track of appointments, goals, important things discussed, homework, processing after session, tracking behavior, feelings, and things you would like to address in therapy.
My Published Works
Case Study
“Cannot recommend this book enough. If you are or have or work or know someone suffering domestic abuse you should make this your staple read. Learn!!”
-E.W. United Kingdom
Practice Manual
“This book is long overdue for the professionals who work with and victims who face and are recovering from Domestic Violence. It gives me hope.”
-J Buhrler
Unlock the Power of Fulfilling Relationships
At some point in our lives, we all struggle with relationships. Whether it's with a partner, family member, friend, or even ourselves, it can be challenging to navigate these connections. That's why my professional clinical social work services are focused on helping you navigate the relationships you have with yourself and others.
Together, I can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of your emotions and behaviors. Let's work together to create the fulfilling relationships and life you deserve. Confidently take your next step toward your dreams and start living the life you have always imagined. Know that you are no longer in this alone. You are in safe, experienced hands now.
You are enough, just as you are. You are worth so much more than you allow yourself to feel.
Do you ever feel invisible like you do not matter, or perhaps you don't feel much of anything at all?
Many of my clients come to my sessions feeling drained and overwhelmed, trying to manage the weight of societal pressures alongside cultural or familial, and work expectations. Others carry the weight of past traumas, including intergenerational trauma from their families. Some clients may find it challenging to have healthy, thriving relationships with themselves or with others. Whatever your experience, I am here to provide a safe and supportive space to help you work through these challenges and find greater peace and fulfillment in your life.
With a fresh perspective, practical tools, and evidence-based interventions, you can navigate life's challenges and achieve your goals by identifying patterns and behaviors that may be limiting your personal growth. Develop the skills needed to create positive changes in your life, improve your relationships, and enhance your overall well-being and mental health. Take first your step towards a healthier, happier life. Schedule your appointment today.
Start your Journey Now!
If you are Ready to Make a Change, Book Your Session Today
Therapy Designed to Help You Heal and Step Into Your Authentic Self.
You deserve to live a life driven by your passion and purpose, not your emotions. Allow me to help you make the changes you have been longing for. It's time to move on from your past, reclaim your future and step into your authentic self. Imagine a life where you no longer feel controlled by your thoughts, where you freely express yourself with conviction, honor your body, and celebrate all its imperfections. Take your next step confidently in the direction of your dreams, and live the life you have always imagined. Take comfort in knowing that you are no longer in this alone. You are in safe experienced hands now.