We recently connected with Dr. Panicha McGuire and have shared our conversation below.
Panicha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I was born in Bangkok, Thailand and was raised by a single mother. Emigrating to the U.S. was the best decision that she has ever made for us. Her sacrifices and hard work have truly helped me become the person that I am today. We often talk about what our lives would have been like if we were to stay in Thailand. My mother has always prioritized my future before hers as she has wanted a better life for me. For that, I will always be grateful.
Panicha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey in the mental health field began as an undergraduate working as a Behavior Interventionist using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Although the model is useful for many clients, I felt that it was lacking in addressing emotional needs and the family system. This led me to complete my master’s and doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University, San Diego.
Through great supervisors, training, and mentors, I was able to open my own private practice. I opened Living Lotus Therapy in January 2021, right as we were almost a year into the pandemic. At first, I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision. There were many fears that came with opening a small business during the middle of the pandemic, but my mother and my mentor gave me the boost of confidence that I needed. They helped me realize that having something to call my own and making it what I wanted it to be was important to me. They also helped me acknowledge that I had a niche and were vital in helping me gain confidence. In my practice, I pride myself at being as authentic as possible. I believe in finding the right fit for the therapist-client relationship to work. Many therapists can take trainings and get certified in a multitude of therapeutic approaches or models, but every individual will have their own unique touch.
At Living Lotus Therapy, I always do a consultation with a prospective client even if it was a direct referral. This meeting allows me to do a quick evaluation on whether I will be able to help this client meet their goals. Even if a client really wanted to work with me, I might not be the best fit for them and would be doing them a disservice. The consultation also gives the client a chance to see if I would be the right fit for them. When a client can choose their own provider, they have already taken control over their own healing process.
Currently, I enjoy working with teens and young adults. I am neurodiversity-affirming, and specialize in anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and ADHD. I am licensed in California, Colorado, and Hawaii so I can see clients virtually in all those states!
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my practice has not been advertising! In fact, I have found that most of my referrals come from other providers. In truth, I used to hate networking with others. Most of my relationships with my network started out by coordinating care with other professionals. I enjoy collaborating with other professionals in adjacent fields (ex. Physicians, psychiatrists, school counselors) as it helps me provide better care. Outside of the therapy session, I am often on a call advocating for my client’s needs or coordinating their care plan. This helped me to establish my name in the mental health community and resulted in more referrals. Since then, I have worked on my networking game and every so often I will be the first to reach out to professionals in my area! It also helps me to find out about any services/resources that I may have not known.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Working in any helping profession can come at a cost if you are unable to put your wellbeing first. Many therapists enter the mental health field because they genuinely want to help others. Some are natural empaths. This leads to taking on too much, not asking for help, or not knowing when to take a break. I had my fair share of burnout throughout my career, and it was quite unpleasant! I learned that I needed to practice what I preach to my clients. Putting the oxygen mask on myself first before others. When my mind and my heart is healthy, I have a greater capacity to help others heal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livinglotustherapy.com
- Instagram: @drpanichamcguire
- Facebook: @drpmcguire