Meet Megan
Megan Heywood, LPC, NCC
Hello! Thank you for visiting my website. I would love the opportunity to assist you in improving your mental health and wellness. I provide face-to-face and video counseling to individuals and couples to address a variety of mental and emotional concerns. I am trained in numerous interventions, which include, but are not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, existential approaches, and rational-emotive behavioral therapy. I work with individuals ages 16 and older who reside in Arizona. I welcome individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious affiliations or worldviews.
My Therapeutic Approach
I am a strong believer that I am not an expert of anyone but me and, therefore, the only expert on you is you. I use this principle to assist my clients in finding the direction that is meaningful to them. I focus significantly on assisting my clients in finding their own meaning and purpose. To do this, I challenge my clients to live their lives authentically and according to their own moral compass. I am a good fit for someone who wants a therapist who will advocate for, support, and challenge them. I provide warmth and empathy, but I also don't sugar-coat things. I love to bring humor into my sessions for a more comfortable and relaxed experience.
In addition to in-person counseling, I decided to provide online mental health therapy, because I believe that mental healthcare should be accessible. As a working professional and mother, I have always been frustrated at how difficult getting any form of medical care is for people with tight schedules, who have difficulty scheduling off work. Video Counseling allows you to use any webcam accessible smartphone or computer so you can access your care in your own secure environment, without adding additional drive and wait time. So turn on your computer or open up your app and let's get to work!
My Therapeutic Experience
I have worked in a wide variety of settings and with various populations. I began my career working in inpatient stabilization and then transitioned into intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization. In each of those settings, I worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. When working as an intensive outpatient therapist, I facilitated co-ed general mental health, women's, trauma-focused, and chemical dependency groups. In addition to my private practice, I currently work in an integrated community mental health clinic and treat general mental health and substance-abuse disorders. I have experience working with a large range of ages and currently specialize in ages 16 and older.
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Focus
Depression & Anxiety
Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common disorders experienced by the population as a whole. Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population will experience major depressive disorder at some point in their lifetime. These are not personality flaws. With online mental health counseling treatment, you can recover your motivation, perspective, and work toward finding contentment.
Relationships
Relationship video counseling can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Therapy sessions are held with both parties and is a supportive place to discuss issues and solutions to better strengthen your relationship.
Postpartum Mental Illness
Postpartum mental illness is a topic particularly close to my heart. Most women experience some form of "baby blues" after giving birth. For some women, this emotional instability is more severe. Experiencing these emotions while struggling with life after the arrival of your baby can be an astronomical challenge. Seeking help is imperative for you and for your child. Online mental health counseling assists women coping with postpartum mental illness by removing barriers to treatment, such as childcare. You can receive treatment in the comfort of your home.
Grief
Any change is a grief process. Sometimes, we need more than just time to allow ourselves to process life changes. Working with a licensed counselor through online mental health therapy can assist you in moving through your grieving process by reinvesting in your new reality.
Stress
Stress is a key indicator in the development of a mental disorder. Getting help early allows individuals the ability to learn to cope with every-day (and not-so-every-day) life stressors as they appear. As a special needs parent, I have a special affinity in assisting individuals through online counseling in reducing their overall stress level to live their most fulfilling life.
Addiction
Addiction is a disease that disrupts daily functioning and can rob individuals of connection. Through online video counseling, I work with individuals struggling with addiction on building connections and increasing alternative coping mechanisms.