Me and My Practice

Counseling is my passion and my calling.  I really love what I do. 

Being a therapist has enriched my life through helping and learning alongside the great people I have come to know over the years.   

I am very thankful.

     Hi, I’m Gera.  Welcome to my webpage.  Let me tell you a little about me and my practice.

     I was born and raised in Northwestern Pennsylvania near Lake Erie.  When I went to undergraduate school at Hiram College in Ohio, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do.  I love learning so lots interested me – medicine, teaching, writing, sociology and of course, psychology.   My career picked me because I’ve found counseling to be a confluence of all these disciplines.  And I love it!        

     It’s been over 30 years since I started my career as a therapist and have worked in a lot of settings and in a few different roles in the mental health continuum of services. I graduated with my master’s degree in counseling in 1994, garnering experience and training in many types of interventions, group therapy, trauma and grief work and more.  I've worked in agency, school, hospital and private practice settings.

     In addition to my graduate work, I received 3 years of post-graduate education in ecosystemic structural family therapy from Philadelphia Child Guidance (now known as the Philadelphia Child and Family Training Center) and am a "second generation Minuchin counselor."  I also obtained post-graduate training in Complicated Grief Therapy at Columbia University's Center for Complicated Grief in New York City under the founder Dr. Katherine Shear.

     Now I have a thriving solo practice located in Enumclaw, Washington, nestled in the foothills of the Cascades near Mount Rainier.  I offer in-person therapy here but also provide telemental health for those who reside in Washington State and Montana.

     I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor, member of the American Counseling Association and a member of the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association.

     Individual, group, couples and family counseling services are available. In addition to counseling, I enjoy conducting workshops and presentations.  I am available for presentations on topics related to relationships, parenting, mental health topics, grief and loss, among others. Most recently, I have been a repeat presenter at Camp Widow - San Diego as well as the Seabeck Grief Retreat sponsored by King County Widowed Information and Consultation Services and The Compassionate Friends.  In the past, I offered a free grief workshop series for seniors entitled "Good Grief."  

     Additionally, I am an "Approved Supervisor" for Licensed Mental Health Counselors in Washington State.  Please contact me to discuss opportunities for your requirements.

     I work with children, adolescents, and adults.  When helping children under 13, I typically meet with parents as well so the good work can continue in the home.  

     Issues I help people with range from mild to moderate stressors to serious emotional and mental health disturbances.  Some of these include: depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationships, pre-marital counseling, divorce and blended family matters, parenting skills, behavioral concerns, trauma, sexual abuse, religious abuse, relationship abuse, health care professional burnout, educator burnout, estrangements, attachment, mid-life crisis, caregiver burnout, body image struggles, child loss, post-adoption adjustment and bonding, and life transitions.  I have experience working with children in the foster care system as well as post-adoption placements.

      One focus area of my practice niche areas is grief counseling and Prolonged Grief Disorder (the disorder formerly known as Complicated Grief).  If you believe your grief isn't subsiding, or the grief you are experiencing is in relation to a serious trauma, please give me a call so we can discuss your concerns. 

     All counselors are different.  We each bring our unique collection of education, experiences and personality into our offices.  I think my approach is best described as collaborative, educational, and empathetic.  Despite the seriousness of what brings people in to see me, I try to bring some levity and smiles into our time together.  I love education and spend time keeping my professional education current. My hope is to pass along any knowledge I have that may help you.   

    On a personal note, I’m an adoptive mom of three wonderful kids and quasi-empty-nester.  I was unexpectedly widowed at age 39.  I have a dog named Josie who is my telehealth co-therapist.  My passions include music, photography, cooking/baking, writing and long-distance swimming.  I’m a novice quilter and landscaper (i.e. sticker bush hater).  Laughter is a part of my every day life and humor is a must.  As a former Girl Scout leader, I love being outdoors and to go hiking and camping and exploring.  I adore travel and learning about new cultures, anthropology and history.  I think it’s fair to say that I have a zeal for life and am a life-long learner.  Carpe diem!  My mantra and prayer for humanity is: Love.

      So enough about me.  Send me an email at gera.mcguire@geramcguire.com so we can schedule some time to talk.  I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!