Meghan McNamara MA, LPCC
(she/her)
Hi! I’m Meghan, thanks for checking out A Lot Like Living. I’ve (officially) been a therapist since 2019 and the plan was to become a therapist immediately after undergrad (in 2008). Turns out, a lot of living happened in between the plan and the reality. In 2008 you might have landed on the page of a very different therapist. Back then, I wanted to be perfect. Now, I want to be human. In session, that looks a little more like conversation, some laughter, occasionally tears, fidgets, and permission to be comfortable (for you and me!).
I really love being a therapist and joining with my clients on their journeys for however long I am invited. My goal is to help you learn how you might make sense - possibly, after a lifetime of being told that who you are is not enough or maybe too much. I hope to provide corrective emotional experiences (essentially, getting the support you should have received in the past but maybe did not) during session. And sometimes, I might miss the mark and hope that you’d feel safe enough to let me know, even if (or when) it might feel difficult. I recognize the inherent power dynamic between therapists and clients and work to be aware of how that might come across in our relationship.
Outside of session, I really love spending time with my people (usually in a small group and with plenty of time for myself after). I am a writer. An (aspiring) potter. An avid Instagram scroller (I’m not supposed to be that upfront about it - but it’s true, my screen time can confirm!). When I have had enough water, food, rest, and support (a tricky combo to achieve regularly), I love traveling, trying new restaurants, going on beginner to moderate hikes, bike riding, and reading all the books. I’m on my own journey of self-compassion, anti-racism, and unpacking my privilege and how it shows up day to day.
I graduated from Xavier University in May 2019 with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since then, I have developed my counseling style to include content from trauma responsive care, the polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and creative expression. I am trained at the Advanced Level of Somatic Experiencing™, a body-based trauma healing modality, and incorporate embodiment into most sessions if that’s what you’re interested in!
Education:
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Xavier University, May 2019
B.S. Psychology, Xavier University, May 2008
License: E.2303481 (verification available here)
Post Graduate Training:
2020-2022 Somatic Experiencing (beginning through advanced years) through Somatic Experiencing International, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner credential in progress
2021 Anti-Oppression Informed Practice Foundations through Ohio NASW
2019-2020 Trauma Responsive Care Training through Tristate Trauma Network