Margaret Lefbom, LCSW

Do you ever feel stuck in or powerless over situations in your life? Do you feel like you’re repeating the same patterns in your life and relationships over and over again and can’t find a way off the hamster wheel? Are you struggling to find joy and connection?

These experiences are a normal part of the human condition. Maintaining the status quo and avoiding discomfort are often our instinct, but they sometimes keep us from living our most authentic and fulfilling lives. In our work together, we can explore the root causes of what is getting in the way so that you can heal from past traumas, develop new habits, learn to embrace and love your truest self, and create a life that is fulfilling to you. I truly believe that each person has the solutions to what is holding them back, they just might need some help to unlock them.

My goal as your counselor is to provide a safe space for you to explore all the parts of yourself. I use an eclectic approach, blending Cognitive-Behavioral, Person Centered, Strengths Based, and Mindfulness Based approaches. I believe that allowing ourselves to feel is the key to healing. So many of our issues come from avoiding what we don’t want to feel. Running from fear, avoiding our painful past, ignoring our unmet needs, and using coping tools that are problematic will work for a while, but eventually will keep us living with negative internal and external consequences.

I am here to help you to fully understand who you are and why you do what you do, to create a safe space to process painful emotions, and to help you gain a sense of self-compassion and empowerment to make needed changes in your life. I believe strongly in the mind-body connection, that our bodies can be a clue to what is happening internally, and that learning to feel present and safe in our bodies is a key element to healing.

MORE ABOUT ME:

I am a proud parent of two boys and enjoy yoga/meditation, reading, gardening, and the outdoors. I’ve been a stay-at-home parent for 10 years and am excited to bring my life experience to my work in the helping profession.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Minor in Child and Family Studies
• Certified Professional Coach
• Certified Professional Recovery Coach (currently enrolled)
• Member of Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work (GWSCSW) and National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

CREDENTIALS:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LICENSE:

VA 0904007243