Dr. Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT™

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She/Her/Hers

Hello, and welcome to Living Lotus Therapy! My name is Dr. Panicha McGuire, and I am the founder of this practice. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist™ in California, Colorado, and Hawaii. I am passionate about helping children, teens, and young adults transform their lives and achieve their goals.

My journey as a therapist began with my curiosity about human relationships and personalities, which led me to obtain my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Behavior at UC Irvine. During this time, I worked as a Behavior Interventionist using Applied Behavior Analysis with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or who are neurodiverse. However, I felt the need to learn more about family systems and how to help individuals beyond behavioral changes. This led me to complete my Master’s and Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University, expanding my knowledge in the field.

Who I Am as a Therapist:

As a neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapist, my goal for all my clients is that they would have a safe space to experience a powerful transformation in themselves and their relationships. I believe that having an authentic and collaborative relationship is essential in our work together. I use a variety of evidence-based practices to equip you with the skills needed to take on life’s challenges while empowering you and helping you gain insight into the resources you already have. The greatest gift in this profession is to help people develop a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Who I Am Outside of Therapy:

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and moved to Los Angeles, CA, when I was 5 years old. I went to graduate school in San Diego, CA, and now I currently live in Honolulu, HI. As a military spouse, I had to adapt to many new situations and challenges. This has taught me to value quality time with my family and to enjoy each moment as it arises. I have two dogs, ObiWan (as in the Jedi) and Nala (from Lion King). In my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga and playing video games. My spouse and I participate in almost every Comic-Con and Wonder-Con, and my ultimate goal in life is to travel and see as much of the world as possible.

The Meaning Behind the Lotus:

The name Living Lotus represents the power of rebirth and transformation that the lotus flower symbolizes across cultures.

Growing up near Echo Park in Los Angeles, CA, I attended the annual lotus festival and witnessed the lotus flowers’ resilience as they thrived in murky and polluted waters. This inspired me to choose the name Living Lotus for my practice, as it represents the idea that growth and transformation are possible no matter the size of your challenge or mess.

As a therapist, I am committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges and empower you to discover your inner strength and resilience. Together, we can work towards creating a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, and develop strategies to overcome any obstacles that may arise.

I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life, and I am passionate about helping my clients achieve their goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or other challenges, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Thank you for considering Living Lotus Therapy as your therapy practice. I look forward to embarking on this journey of growth and transformation with you.