A Native New Yorker Who Understands The Challenges And Rewards of Life In The Big Apple

I am a lifelong New Yorker and a firm believer that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. New York City is like nowhere else on the planet and life here comes with its own particular set of challenges as well as rewards.

Having lived here my whole life, I feel uniquely qualified to relate to your experience and provide you with whatever support you may need to help navigate your thoughts and feelings. In addition to working in the corporate world, I have had former career forays in the creative arts and I understand the stresses and challenges all of these pursuits can present.

My Background

I have always been a person that people feel they can confide in and come to for advice. During the decade I worked in the corporate world, I realized that my desire was to be of service and to help the greater good. That’s when I made the best decision in my life: returning to Fordham University to earn a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and following the call to become a therapist.

From there, I went on to train with some of the country’s most prominent psychiatrists at Bellevue Hospital and provide pioneering psychotherapeutic treatment to patients in need. In addition to my work at Bellevue, I have volunteered with a number of nonprofits in New York City. I am also a field instructor for graduate students at the Graduate School of Social Service at Fordham University in New York.

My Approach

We were born to crave satisfaction, handle problems effectively, and feel optimistic. But sometimes our thought patterns and behaviors prevent us from achieving the full potential for wellbeing in all aspects of our lives. However, when people make improvements in one area of their life, they often report an ability to solve problems and find more enjoyment in other areas.

I have a great affinity for people and want to help others the same way I have been helped in my life. I have always believed we can get more satisfaction out of life when we are willing to work at it and embrace change. I know that change in the deepest sense is possible. Not only have I seen it; I have lived it myself. 

The one key element I believe in is what is called neuroplasticity—the brain’s wonderful ability to literally rewire itself from top to bottom through a process of concerted thinking, learning, and acting. In our work together, I aim to help clients tap into this powerful ability.

The Modalities Used In My Practice

The modalities I offer—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy (PDT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI)—are each clinically-proven treatment methods that examine the roots of established thought patterns.

CBT helps to identify negative behaviors and patterns of thinking that keep us stuck and then apply helpful techniques to reframe them. PDT gets to the roots of such patterns and, over time, helps us change our basic neurological wiring to achieve long-term positive outcomes. MI allows us to verbalize our thoughts out loud which aids in processing how these thoughts have impacted us. Each of these modalities are at least as effective as medication, but more natural and longer lasting.

My Practice

My style is warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental—in other words, not what you might associate with a stereotypical psychologist or psychiatrist. Having a fundamentally positive relationship with you is what helps produce the best outcomes and helps you get results. My upbeat attitude fosters encouragement and optimism.

We are all human beings and many of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are commonly shared as part of the human condition. Finding a shared empathy with you can be the connection you need that will unlock the door to self-discovery and healing.

Stephen McGuire is a therapist based in New York City, NY. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Fordham University, Stephen went on to earn a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Fordham in 2018. Before going into private practice, Stephen worked at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital.