Today we’d like to introduce you to Meagan Nicholson.
Meagan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Like many others, I once found myself in a low place. Through my teenage years and early twenties, I experienced my own problems with anxiety and low self-esteem. I constantly compared my life to others and created unrealistic personal expectations, which resulted in a very unhealthy relationship that I had with myself. At one point in my life, I didn’t like who I saw in the mirror. I found myself experiencing so much anxiety, where I was constantly worried about what would happen next, even if nothing was wrong. I felt absolutely powerless.
Due to my personal struggles, I made the decision for myself when I was 20 years-old to go to therapy, and it was such a life-changing experience. I was able to confront my pain, grow from my challenges, and become empowered in the process. I had such a transformative and healing experience from therapy that I wanted to help others heal from their pain as well.
Fast forward to 2017, I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, and today I practice as a psychotherapist in Orange County, where I specialize in working with teens and women suffering from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was definitely not a smooth road. I think the difficult part of being a therapist is being very empathetic, which can be both a good and a bad thing in this line of work. Being empathetic allows me to be able to be completely present for my clients, as well as to be understanding of their pain. However, the drawback is that it can be hard to not take your work home with you. This is something that a lot of therapists struggle with. There are clients that I worked with in the earlier stages of my career that had the most unfortunate life circumstances, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about them. As a therapist, it is so important to be able to establish boundaries for yourself so that your work does not affect you too much.
I have definitely made so much progress with this, by surrounding myself with a great support system and being pro-active about my own self-care.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I currently work in private practice in Fountain Valley, while also working as a therapist for various school districts throughout Orange County. I specialize in working with teens and women who experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and relational issues. I help my clients to find healing in their pain, guide them towards growth, and become empowered throughout the process.
I think what I am most proud of are my clients. I’m proud of my clients for being able to take a step in confronting their issues head on and healing from their pain. It’s not easy to take that first step. I feel so honored and privileged to be a part of this process for them.
What sets me apart from others is that I’m not just another therapist who sits across from you in the room and claims to be the expert of your own life. My clients are the experts of their own lives. I believe that everyone is already equipped with their own strengths to guide them out of their storms, but it can be hard for them to remember that while they’re in the most difficult part of their lives. My passion is to help guide others to tap into their own strengths so that they can heal from their pain.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes absolutely. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t feel grateful to be living here. What I absolutely love about LA and Orange County, is that there is such a big emphasis on wellness. Many who live here make it a priority to be healthy, through how they eat and move their body. A big part of being healthy is also making sure you’re emotionally healthy as well.
What is also amazing about this city is the diversity. LA and Orange County has such a rich and diverse background of different cultures. While there are still many things that our city can work on, I truly feel for the most part that people are celebrated here for being different. It’s not like that in other parts of our country.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mindfulwithmeagan.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: meagancamillemft
Image Credit:
Jen CYK Photography
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Check out the VoyageLA Podcast:
Episode 1 with Content Partner Lisa Taitelman, Founder of Hiking & Wellness company Find Your Trail.
