"The Privilege of a Lifetime is to Become Who You Truly Are."

- CARL JUNG

About Susan Maguire, LCSW, PCC

Hello. I’m Susan —a licensed therapist and certified coach. I’m passionate about helping midlife adults (generally 35-65), particularly women, who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues and loneliness, and difficult life phase transitions (separation/divorce, grief and loss, “empty nest,” health changes, career or retirement crises, and more).

I specialize in working with people who often look high‑functioning and capable from the outside, but inside feel overwhelmed, depleted, or unlike themselves.

My Approach

In my life (as in everyone’s), there have been highs and lows, including some very difficult times. Caring and skilled therapists made a profoundly positive difference for me. My goal is to pay that forward—supporting others in the ways I have been helped.

People tend to describe me as caring, intuitive, curious, easy to talk with (and often humorous). I approach my work, and my own life, from a holistic mind–body perspective. I’m a lifelong learner and continually invest in training about the latest in mental health, which I bring into my work with clients.

As a psychotherapist, I draw from:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Mindfulness-based practices, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• A trauma-informed approach
• A coaching-informed lens for making practical changes
• Elements of IFS and EFT

Together, we focus on both relief in the present and deeper understanding over time—so you can manage symptoms more effectively while also making sense of how you got here.

My background in coaching (PCC) also informs my work: it adds a practical, forward‑looking element to therapy. While we honor your history and inner world, we also pay attention to where you want to go next and how to move toward a life that feels more aligned with who you are now.

A Winding Road to This Work

Earlier in my life, I had a completely different career—working in the fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments of network television (NBC), public relations, and international non‑profit consulting. The work was stimulating and challenging, and I understand firsthand the demands of high‑performance, deadline‑driven environments.

Over time, I realized my true calling was to work more directly with people, supporting them through challenges and toward their own aspirations. I returned to graduate school and became a therapist / Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and later a Professional Certified Coach (PCC).

I’m grateful for the interesting (and at times winding) road I’ve chosen, and the unique perspective I bring to my work with midlife adults who are navigating their own career, identity, and life paths.

Experience

As a psychotherapist (LCSW) licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, I run a private therapy practice serving adults in those areas, both in person in Alexandria, VA and online via telehealth.

Previously, I held clinical roles in:

• Two community mental health centers
• A city hospital emergency department
• A pastoral counseling center
• A foster care agency

In a separate part of my work, I have provided Transitions Coaching and Leadership Coaching for individuals, government, corporate, and private sector organizations for over two decades. This breadth of experience helps me understand both the emotional and practical realities my clients face—especially those in high‑responsibility roles.

A Bit More About Me

On a personal note, some of my favorite things include travel, photography and art, reading, movies and shows, music, and being anywhere near water.

The Isle of Skye in Scotland inspired my company’s name—Clear Skye Counseling & Coaching—a reminder that even when the weather is stormy, the sky above the clouds is still clear.

Education & Licenses

Licensure

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Virginia (LCSW)
• Licensed Certified Social Worker – Maryland (LCSW‑C)
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker – Washington, DC (LICSW)

Degrees

• M.S.W., Master of Social Work (Clinical Focus), Catholic University, Washington, DC
• M.A., Master of Public Communication, American University, Washington, DC
• B.S., Journalism, University of Colorado, Boulder

Post‑Graduate Training

• Clinical Program in Psychotherapy Practice, Washington School of Psychiatry (WSP)
• Internal Family Systems, Life Change Psychotherapy Institute
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certificate, PESI, Inc.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• Professional Training Program in Mind‑Body Medicine, Center for Mind‑Body Medicine, Washington, DC
• Ongoing training in clinical therapy treatment, psychology, and coaching methods

A Winding Path 

Earlier on in my life, I had a different career -- working in the fast-paced, high-pressure environments of network television (NBC), public relations, and international non-profit consulting. The work was stimulating and challenging.

But over time I knew that my real calling was to work directly with people, to support them in overcoming challenges and reaching their aspirations. I returned to graduate school and became a therapist / licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and later a professional certified coach (PCC).  I am grateful for the interesting (though not always easy) road I chose to travel, and the unique perspective I bring to my work with clients. 

As a psychotherapist (LCSW) licensed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, I run a private therapy practice serving residents of those areas.  I previously held clinical roles in two community mental health centers, city hospital emergency department, pastoral counseling center and foster care agency.  

In a separate part of my work, I have provided Transitions Coaching and Leadership Coaching for individuals, government, corporate and private sector organizations for over two decades. 

On a personal note -- some of my favorite things include travel, photography/art, reading, movies/shows, music, and being anywhere near water.  

The Isle of Skye in Scotland inspired my company's name --

Clear Skye Counseling & Coaching