Meaghan Hetherington LCSW, Tide Risers Mental Health Coach
Meaghan Hetherington serves as a Tide Risers Mental Health Coach, and she is a licensed clinical social worker. She is available for one-to-one and small group coaching.
“Meeting people where they are is the cornerstone of social work.
When we show up and are honest about who we are, what we're feeling, or what we're doing we can more clearly see what we want to change about ourselves or where we want to go.”
What's your area of expertise?
Mental and emotional mental health in general; especially working with life transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety, personal development and perinatal mental health.
I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in New York and Connecticut. Trained in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, I help people to identify and address the roots of their symptoms and behaviors to promote emotional health and well-being at a deep level. While experienced in addressing a broad range of problems and concerns, my special areas of focus are life transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety, and personal development. Additionally, I have advanced training and expertise in perinatal mental health, and I am passionate about working with women adjusting to the challenges of motherhood.
Prior to my clinical career, I worked for over 10 years at an international not-for-profit organization working to strengthen the healthcare system in Sub-Saharan Africa. I held multiple leadership positions focused on operations, human resources and development, based in New York and London. I earned my MSW at New York University and my undergraduate degree at Holy Cross where I studied English literature. I completed my fellowship in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Training Institute for Mental Health in New York City, and my perinatal mental health training certifications at the Seleni Institute, also in New York, and with Postpartum Support International.
What makes your practice unique?
In my practice I draw upon a range of training modalities to guide my work yet always prioritize making a real, moment-to-moment connection with the person I'm working with. Relationships are central to healing, whether in therapy or in the world.
While I come from a psychoanalytic background (which has the reputation of being somewhat sterile and cold!), I find it is essential to connect authentically to my clients and not hiding a feeling that they evoke in me, whether that means sharing in their laughter or in tears.
What can our members expect from a working relationship with you?
Empathy, accountability, warmth.
Which of our leadership principles resonates with you most right now, and why?
The principle of Authenticity especially resonates with me right now. In my work, I see people who are grappling with their own imperfections working towards acceptance of themselves -- or of their imperfect loved ones. Meeting people where they are is the cornerstone of social work. When we show up and are honest about who we are, what we're feeling, or what we're doing we can more clearly see what we want to change about ourselves or where we want to go.
More broadly, in the US we are dramatically experiencing the consequences of dishonesty in public discourse, and I find myself craving authenticity in our leaders. We can't address any of our big problem if we can't honestly discuss them!
Which of our leadership principles do you generally struggle with the most, and why?
Some combination of Ownership and Courage. While I can take steps to seek out professional or personal growth, I have been hesitate to share it or own it out of fear that I might be undeserving or out of fear of failure. At other times, I know I have blockages that prevent me from taking courages steps that may be uncomfortable.