Megan Elizabeth Schweitz, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #126695
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clients/Groups/Communities I work with: Adults, adolescents, youth, young children and families, small groups, LGBTQ+, culturally & spirituality sensitive
Challenges & Obstacles I Work With: Communication, Self-Love, Self-Worth, Anxiety, Depression, suicidal ideation, self harm, Grief, Family Dynamics, Healthy Relationships, Body Image, Sexuality, emotional dysregulation, trust, identity
Life Changes & Opportunities I Work With: New relationships, loss of loved ones, gender & sexual identity exploration, going to college, career change, becoming a parent
Life’s a journey, not a destination.
My life and educational path is far from traditional. I began my work in human services at the age of 18 in 2003. After years of first hand experience working in education, nonprofits and community organizations, I realized my desire to help others and began to pursue a title that would allow me the freedom to make a profession out of my passions. My self work and personal growth has allowed me to explore and develop my professional tools and values as a Mental Health Provider and Social Worker. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and that we are all capable of positive and healthy change. My universal values as a practitioner include empathy, acceptance, compassion and openness. I believe that all work begins with self work and guide my clients in practicing self love, self acceptance, and self awareness.
I have experience working with youth ages 0-18 in a variety of platforms including counseling, family work and residential treatment centers. I enjoy supporting adolescents and young adults navigating the beautiful and challenging journey into adulthood by helping them build healthy and positive values and life skills as they develop their identity and independence. I also enjoy working with young children and their parents, providing wraparound family services, parent education and creative therapies. I use a systems approach when supporting my clients to foster positive change, open communication and healthy relationships for all.
Trainings & Certifications
Trauma Informed Practices (2019 - 2020)
Restorative Practices: Community Building Circles & Restorative Justice. Presented by Community Matters. (2020)
Eating Disorders Training & Awareness: Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (2020)
Mental Health & Wellness in Schools: Minor Consent & Confidentiality. Presented by Linda Gerret, JD.(2020)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with a focus on adolescents and their families. Presented by the Portland DBT institute. (2020)
Interests
Self love, self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-empowerment focused values
Community, Parent and youth Social Emotional Learning & Trauma Informed Practices Education
Nature, art, movement and mindfulness integrated wellness planing
Social justice, activism, advocacy and awareness
LGBTQI+ youth and family support
Specialties
Adolescent development & support
Family systems & Parent support
Wellness & Mindfulness Curriculum Implementation & Education
Artistic Expressions & Creative Therapies
Group Therapy
Programing Development
2016
Bachelors of Arts Sociology: Sonoma State University
2019
Masters in Social Work: CSU Long Beach
2020
Pupil Personnel Services Credential: San Jose State University
2020
Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), California
SELF: Discovery, Expression & love
Nature, photography & adventure…my blissful trio of joy.
What makes you GLOW will help you GROW!
We cannot care for others if we do not care for ourselves first. Self care is my sounding board. It has taken much exploration and dedication to discover my self care practices. I have learned that I am my happiest best self and able to care for others and take on my day when my needs are met. Choosing to love and care for ourselves FIRST is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and others.
My self care practices consist of all that feeds my SOUL and keeps my BODY and MIND healthy and happy: yoga, meditation, hiking, gardening, creating art, photography, traveling, music, creative writing, and spending time with those I love. Self care is also setting boundaries...taking breaks, having alone time and saying no when we are overwhelmed. Self care is not selfish, it is essential.
Choose your TRIBE wisely.
My Grandpa was one of my great role models. I have become so much of who he was.
Who do you choose to surround yourself with?
Self is nothing without others, especially those who contribute to your wellbeing. They guide you, support you, and most importantly love you regardless of your choices, mistakes or flaws. They are your heart, your soul, your joy. They feed your internal need to feel accepted and give you a sense of belonging. They provide you with a foundation of values. These people, regardless of relation, are your tribe. We have the power to choose who let in and who is deserving our time and love.
My tribe is one of birthright and one of my own making; a collection of family, co-workers and college party mates turned roommates, sisters and adopted family. As the oldest of two girls, coming from a single parent home, with inconsistent parental guidance, and broken family ties, I’ve had to seek my own role models, companions and friends in my surrounding communities and environments. I am beyond grateful for all those who I choose to love and who choose to love me return. They are my chosen tribe, my chosen family.
Take the RISK & LET GO.
Letting go during my travels in Bali.
You’ll never know until you try.
All my life I have taken risks, intentional or not. Some were more memorable than others, some safer, all of which have taught me life lessons and helped me become the human I am today. I would not be who I am had I not pushed myself outside my comfort zone and let go of control. There is so much in this world that is out of our control, learning to focus on what we do have control over simplifies our challenges and reduces our stress and anxiety drastically.
I believe taking risks is a core tool to learning who we are. Being comfortable is easy. It takes courage to break out of our daily routines and try new things. It’s scary as hell, the unknown, yet it is so good for us to push our boundaries of comfort and explore our growth zones. Even if we fail miserably, the effort is worth it; there are so many lessons to be learned from taking risks. Additionally, letting go can be even harder. Moving on and letting go of control are painful and lengthy transitions. However, when we learn to let go, we make room for so much more.