Hello there! I'm Liam Mugavin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)—think of me as a professional life untangler. I know starting therapy can feel a bit daunting, like stepping into the unknown, but it's also an opportunity for discovery and growth. I offer both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and traditional talk therapy, allowing us to choose the approach that feels most comfortable and effective for you. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, recovery, or simply seeking clarity in everyday life, our sessions will aim to uncover insights and develop tools that resonate with your personal journey. You'll find a supportive space to explore and reflect at your own pace. If EMDR seems like a good fit, we can delve into how past experiences might be influencing your current life, working to release their grip and open up new possibilities. If talk therapy resonates more with you, we can engage in conversations that challenge old patterns and encourage new perspectives. Together, we'll craft a path that supports your healing and strengthens your connection to yourself, guiding you toward meaningful change and fulfillment.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session is an opportunity for you to share your story and for us to explore how I can best support your goals. I’ll ask about your history, the challenges you’re currently facing, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. We’ll also discuss the different approaches available, such as EMDR or talk therapy, so you can make an informed choice about what resonates with you. This initial conversation is about building a foundation of trust and collaboration, ensuring that we create a personalized plan for your healing that reflects your unique needs and aspirations.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My strengths lie in my ability to offer both professional expertise, skills, and genuine empathy, creating a space where I hope my clients feel truly seen and supported. I am LGBT-affirming and trauma-informed, with personal experience in managing chronic illness.
About Liam Thomas Mugavin
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VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
I have been trained in Level I of this method since 2023 through the Trauma Specialists Training Institute. For clarity, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps people heal from trauma or distressing life experiences and is one of the top-line recommended treatments for trauma related memories. It involves focusing on specific eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while recalling traumatic memories. This process helps the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional impact. EMDR is based on the idea that our brains can heal from trauma, much like our bodies recover from physical injuries. It can be effective for treating PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional issues. Many clients find relief from distressing symptoms after just a few sessions. It's a well-researched and structured approach, offering hope for lasting recovery.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that helps people accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. ACT (with some techniques borrowered from CBT therapy, in my approach) teaches mindfulness skills to help individuals live and behave in ways consistent with their values. The goal is to increase psychological flexibility, allowing people to adapt to situations and make positive changes. It involves committing to actions that improve and enrich life, despite the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings. I find this method effective for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress. By embracing rather than avoiding discomfort, my clients can achieve a more fulfilling life.
Attachment-based
I use this modality especially with those who have experienced personal and intergenerational trauma. Attachment-based therapy focuses on understanding and improving the way people form and maintain emotional bonds with others. It stems from the idea that early relationships with caregivers shape how we connect with others throughout life. This therapy helps clients explore their attachment patterns and how these influence their current relationships. By addressing unresolved issues from the past, clients can develop healthier, more secure relationships. It's effective for issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you find motivation and tangible solutions to make positive changes in your life. MI involves a collaborative conversation between the therapist and client, focusing on the client's own reasons for change. MI emphasizes empathy, active listening, and non-judgmental support to explore and resolve ambivalence. In my experience, this approach is effective for addressing issues like addiction, health behaviors, and lifestyle changes. I will help you strengthen your commitment to change by identifying and exploring your values and goals, empowering you to take ownership of your decisions and actions, fostering lasting transformation.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals recover from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It focuses on identifying and reshaping “stuck points,” or distorted thoughts and beliefs, that arise from traumatic experiences and interfere with daily life. Through a combination of discussions, writing exercises, and cognitive techniques, CPT helps you process the trauma and develop more balanced perspectives, ultimately reducing symptoms and restoring a sense of control over your thoughts and emotions.