Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret.
Hi Margaret, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been fascinated with the human mind and psychology since I was a child. I’ve also loved playing matchmaker for my peers, as well as helping others solve problems, since I can remember. Both of these interests were fortunately something I was able to turn into a career.
I began working with children with autism right out of college and once I completed graduate school and obtained my license, I started my own practice working as a licensed marriage & family therapist. I’ve been practicing since 2002 and licensed since 2006.
Throughout my work as a therapist I found loneliness to often be a common denominator between many clients, especially autistic individuals. I decided that, in order to help others find connection, I would start a matchmaking company that would allow me to assist neurodivergent individuals find connection through friendships and romantic relationships. Thus, Companion Clique, my matchmaking service was born. It’s my most recent endeavor and has been an exciting project to start up.
I currently see clients all over Southern California in my therapy practice and service neurodivergent individuals across the nation in my matchmaking practice. Both areas bring immense joy and satisfaction and I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to turn my lifetime interests into a career path.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting up my therapy practice has been pretty smooth. I don’t have other employees so worrying about myself and my clients eliminates the stress of managing others. (I worked as a supervisor for an organization for years and found that I didn’t love management). When opening my practice I learned that Anaheim Hills was a location in which there were fewer therapists so I was able to quickly build up a clientele.
Companion Clique has been smooth so far. I currently do the matchmaking without help, which I’m finding might be more work than what any person can do in their own. Eventually my plan is to increase marketing efforts and hire employees in order to connect more individuals.
We’ve been impressed with MVA Therapy & Companion Clique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In my therapy practice, my specialty area is autism. I work with adults of all ages. I also work with couples and with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, and more.
Companion Clique has become my primary focus area, as it’s only one year old and still gaining popularity. I believe it may be one of the only matchmaking services around that services neurodivergent adults. I want readers to know all about it and refer their friends, peers, and acquaintances!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up as a kid I was a rule follower. I was also curious, outgoing, and kept busy. To this day my mom still asks me when I’ll get off of my merry-go/round. Haha! I strived to do well in school, be healthy, and make others happy. I would say I was a hard worker and was often my own worst critic. I was a bit more adventurous as a teen and young adult, which allowed for some amazing life experiences!
I grew up with parents (who are both still alive and married). I’m the oldest of four children and easily assumed the “oldest child” role. My parents were incredibly hard workers and instilled a Christian faith in us kids. Additionally they had opposite political views. While that was confusing as a kid, it has allowed me to view most issues from different lenses and has contributed to my ability to have empathy and adopt several perspectives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.companionclique.com; www.mvatherapy.com
- Instagram: @companionclique
Image Credits
Ugly Mug Marketing
