Dr. Meredith McHugh

I moved to the US (from Australia) in 2010 to complete a five-year postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Baltimore. This experience deepened my understanding that trauma, and it's consequnces (e.g., addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, inflammation, pain), is experienced within and from oppressive systems and carried across generations in our minds and bodies. I was compelled to move into community where I have spent the past 10 years working with and advocating for youth and adult survivors of significant trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis; providing anti-oppressive, compassionate, trauma-centered, identity-affirming care.

My approach to therapy draws heavily from internal family systems therapy (parts work) and somatic therapy as well as attachment theory, CBT, DBT, neuroscience and mindfulness. My background in psychology, neuroscience, and social work provides a rich perspective on the effects of trauma and stress on our brains, minds, and bodies. Our bodies adapt to trauma and stress in ways that can be access points to healing and letting go that will provide both psychoemotional and physical relief (e.g., inflammation and pain).

Therapy with me will provide a safe, warm, nonjudgmental space where you will feel fully heard and understood. We will explore how past and present experiences, and systems, have shaped the distress, anxiety, anger, or hopelessness you may be carrying. We will identify the ways you have adapted to these experiences and how this may be contributing to the stress/trauma held in your brain and body and carried into your relationships. I will support and challenge you to grow and heal from this. You will leave sessions with greater insight, self-compassion, relief from tension/distress/anxiety, as well as tools to regulate your nervous system, improve your relationships and better manage your anxiety, depression, mood, and trauma responses.