Professional Statement

Maggie Vaughan, MFT, PhD works with teens and adults of all ages, both individuals and couples, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and relationships. She often treats other common issues such as life transitions, family struggles, grief, low self-esteem, trauma, and stress. She has more than 15 years of experience.

Dr. Vaughan’s approach is non-judgmental and empathic, though at times, challenging. Her interventions draw from several theories including attachment, existential, interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral. Therapy aims to provide immediate relief as well as long-term adjustment and self-actualization. Clients who are focused on personal growth develop insight, coping mechanisms, new perspectives, and ways of interacting that generate positive change and a sense of well-being.

As the domain name of her website Everyone Needs Therapy suggests, Dr. Vaughan believes that all people, whether highly adjusted or greatly struggling, can benefit from psychotherapy. No problem is too big or too small, too common or rare. Clients should feel free to share any and all concerns with Dr. Vaughan, who is strongly committed to non-judgmentalism and confidentiality. Therapy can alleviate acute suffering but can also facilitate relatively minor, yet rewarding, changes such as elevated confidence and improved interpersonal skills. Clients might choose to engage in therapy for a brief period to address a specific concern, or for an indefinite amount of time in order to maximize their personal potential and degree of life satisfaction.

Therapy with Dr. Vaughan is collaborative and engaging. The particular process depends upon the client’s unique needs. Early in the process, the client’s concerns and goals are clarified. Dr. Vaughan and the client identify ways in which the client feels “stuck” and together they discern the factors – both internal and external – that perpetuate concerns. Together, the client and therapist set forth on their journey to tackle such factors. In couple therapy, Dr. Vaughan helps partners to clarify and alter unwanted interactional patterns, bolster trust and connection, and to heal relational wounds. Dr. Vaughan welcomes straightforward feedback throughout the therapy process.

Licensed in California, New York, & New Jersey, Dr. Vaughan is a graduate of Duke University, the California Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology and the University of Southern California. Several media outlets such as The Learning Channel and BBC Radio have featured her work. The Manhattan Award Program named her “Best Marriage Counselor” of 2015 and 2016 and the Best Businesses of Manhattan Award Program named her “Best in Counseling and Mental Health” in 2015 and 2016. Dr. Vaughan was also chosen for the “Counseling and Mental Health Excellence” Award in 2016 and 2017 by The Manhattan Small Business Excellence Awards program.

Education

DUKE UNIVERSITY
B.A. in Political Science
Cum Laude
Dean's List

CA GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy/ Counseling Psychology
Education Alumni Scholarship
L. Buscaglia Award
General Scholarship Fund Award
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Certifications

Professional Affiliations:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA and NY

Certified Hypnotherapist, Life first

Clinical Fellow, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Clinical Member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Member, International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy

Member, New York Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy