Christine Lafferty McGowan, LPC
(she/her)
Preferred Name: Chris
About Me
At some point in our lives, most of us struggle with feeling not good enough, carrying past pain, or navigating complex mental health challenges. I am Christine McGowan, an LPC in Pennsylvania, and I offer personalized, virtual therapy for adults and teens (16+) seeking real change.
I am EMDR-trained and specialize in trauma recovery, ADHD and neurodivergent support, anxiety, and depression. My approach is deeply rooted in providing a safe, neurodivergent-affirming, and LGBTQIA+ affirming environment where you can freely explore your needs. Using evidence-based modalities like EMDR, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Somatic practices, I help clients untangle the impacts of trauma, understand their unique nervous systems, and address issues like people-pleasing, low self-esteem, and relationship boundaries. Together, we will build a foundation of trust to unlock the unlimited possibilities within you.
Education & Experience
I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Villanova University and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. Throughout my clinical experience, I have dedicated my practice to supporting older adolescents and adults who are navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). To offer the highest standard of care, I continuously expand my clinical expertise. I am an EMDR-trained clinician actively pursuing full EMDRIA certification, and I integrate this powerful modality with Attachment-Based Therapy, Somatic practices, and Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies to help clients heal at a deeper level and build lasting resilience.
What truly anchors my therapeutic approach, however, is my lived experience. As a neurodivergent individual and the parent of a neurodivergent child, I don't just understand ADHD and neurodiversity from a clinical textbook, I understand it from the inside out. I know firsthand the exhaustion of masking and perfectionism, the complexities of executive dysfunction, and the unique challenges, as well as the many strengths that need to be harnessed to assist in navigating a neurotypical world. This personal journey deeply informs my neurodivergent affirming approach, allowing me to connect with my clients on a highly authentic, empathetic level. I blend my professional training with my personal insights to offer a truly safe, validating space where you can drop the mask, feel genuinely understood, and discover strategies that work for your unique brain.
Specialty Area
- ADHD/Neurodiversity
- Abuse/Neglect
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Family Issues
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sexual Abuse
- Somatic Issues
- Stress Management
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adults
- BIPOC
- First Responders
- LGBTQ+
Language
- English
Insurance
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Highmark
Independence Administrators in PA