Michelle McGarrity, Ph.D, LLP

Pronouns:
She/Her
Life is about growth and change. We all experience turning points in our lives, my role is to help people navigate their way through as they transition through life’s challenges. At times, it may feel that life has knocked us off course, I am here to help you get things back on track, get stronger and feel better.

Who I am, what I do and what I believe: 

Patients tell me my approach is warm, genuine, supportive and empowering. I hold a PhD in Psychology, a Masters Degree in Humanistic and Clinical Psychology and I have over 15 years. of psychotherapy and behavioral medicine intervention experience. In addition to seeing clients in private practice, I spend most of my time working extensively within medical centers, primary care behavioral medicine, as well as university medical and behavioral research and training environments. I am passionate about serving the underserved, reducing physical and mental health disparities, working with community service and non-profit organizations to reach those who are disproportionately affected by medical, mental health and behavioral health issues.

 

I work collaboratively with patients, at their own pace, with empirically effective approaches, guiding, coaching and facilitating as well as challenging individuals to develop the best version of themselves. I believe wellness lies inside of each of us. I believe all persons possess what it takes to answer the most difficult questions, work through the toughest problems and build the skills necessary to meet each stage of change in our lives.

 

My approach to therapy is to empower and motivate those in my care in a safe, non judgmental space where I can help patients address and express themselves, manage troublesome or painful issues, discover and develop their inner strengths, reach their highest potentials, meet goals and transcend barriers in order to create more satisfying and fulfilling lives.

 

I am here to skillfully listen, empower, teach and support; with permission and collaboration from my clients, I seek to offer effective, empirically proven techniques that lead to solutions. I aim to walk alongside my patients, helping to uncover the roadmap through their most difficult journeys. I work with individuals, groups, families, couples, adults and adolescents. 
 

I work with issues across a spectrum of disorders and life stressors including depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, chronic illness, parenting issues, teen issues, developing authenticity and coping skills. I enjoy motivating, teaching and invest in helping individuals become all that they seek to be.

 

I have specialized training and experience in chronic illness management, HIV/AIDS, Diabetes and Asthma populations. I also have extensive experience working with clients within non-traditional and at risk populations. I specialize in therapies that help to build healthier thinking and behaviors. Therapies that are solution based, build self management and coping skills as well as cultivate motivation and change. Training includes: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Restructuring, Solution Focused Therapy, Multi Systemic Therapy, Couples and Family Therapy, HIV counseling, relaxation, mindfulness, chronic Illness management and many others.

 

I enjoy reaching people individually and in groups with therapeutic approaches that use creativity, innovative techniques and interactive workshops that explore self-identity, authenticity, resilience, effective communication, self-exploration, personal values and beliefs. 
 
Vision Board Workshops, Healthy Habits Wellness Skills Workshops, and Couples Workshops are some of the most popular with my clients who seek to benefit from group-oriented activities.
 

Among many others, I am inspired by the words and work of Marrianne Williamson, many of my clients have been inspired as well. I share these words from her, with you below.

 

-In Service, Gratitude and Love, Dr. Michelle McGarrity
Work:
“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”
Forgiveness:
“Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.”
Love:
“We are not held back by the love we didn’t receive in the past, but by the love we’re not extending in the present.”
Choices:
“We can always choose to perceive things differently. You can focus on what’s wrong in your life, or you can focus on what’s right.”
Fear:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves,  who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your ‘playing small’ does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marrianne Williamson