Hello, I’m Liam Mugavin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), dedicated to helping you explore life’s complexities with compassion, curiosity, and expertise. I believe that therapy is not just about addressing immediate challenges, but also about discovering deeper layers of who you are and how you move through the world. That’s why I offer both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and traditional talk therapy, giving us the flexibility to approach your healing in the way that feels most meaningful to you. Whether you're working through trauma, navigating anxiety, maintaining recovery, or seeking clarity in the midst of daily struggles, my goal is to help you uncover lasting insights and tools for growth. Our sessions are a space where you can feel safe to question, reflect, and transform. If you're drawn to EMDR, we can explore how past experiences may be influencing your present life, working to release their hold and create space for new possibilities. If talk therapy feels more aligned with where you are, we can dive into conversations that challenge old patterns, invite self-awareness, and open doors to new ways of thinking and being. Together, we’ll craft a path that not only supports healing but also fosters a deeper connection to yourself, guiding you toward lasting 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 and genuine empathy, creating a space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I am LGBT-affirming and trauma-informed, and I bring a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the HIV and disability communities. This experience allows me to offer a compassionate, inclusive approach to therapy. I take pride in not only offering tools and strategies that are evidence-based, but also in fostering a therapeutic relationship that empowers you to grow, heal, and navigate your path with greater clarity and confidence.
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 psychotherapy 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.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps you understand how your past experiences, especially from childhood, influence your current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Together, we'll explore these past relationships and experiences to uncover patterns and hidden motivations that might be affecting you now. By bringing these unconscious elements to light, you can gain insight and work through unresolved conflicts. This therapy can be particularly effective for issues like depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. In our sessions, you'll have a safe space to delve into deep-seated emotions and thoughts, helping you achieve emotional growth and lasting change by addressing the root causes of your distress.