Meet COURTNEY MAGAHIS, LCSW-S
Welcome!
I’m glad you are here.
“People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.”
THICH NHAT HANH
I’m here to help you discover your values and find meaning in your day-to-day.
It can be extremely vulnerable to admit things like “I don’t like to play with my kids” or “I’m jealous of my friend who had a baby” or “I hate my mother-in-law” and I consider it an honor when clients trust me with their stories and struggles. My experience has taught me that I shouldn’t be a blank slate; instead, I bring my genuine self into our sessions. I believe in creating an authentic connection where you feel seen and heard.
Clients have described me as: insightful, nurturing, warm, safe, compassionate, calming, empathetic, kind, funny, and educational.
My style
I’m a therapist that shows up to session ready to laugh, cry, and reference pop-culture with you.
I'm a licensed clinical social worker based in Maplewood, NJ and the founder of canyons therapy. I can see clients who live in New Jersey, Texas, and Connecticut. I am a recovering perfectionist, anxious mom, and lover of a slow-paced life. In session, you will find me casually dressed, warm beverage in-hand, and ready to hold space for your most imperfect self. Outside of session, I’m wrangling my young kids and doing my best to embrace our chaos. I enjoy being in nature, watching the latest documentary, and curating mood-setting playlists.
My approach to therapy lies in the relationship and collaboration I have with clients. In the beginning of therapy, I focus on establishing trust and learning about your values. I want to get to know your most authentic self - even the hard, painful parts. When our sessions get rolling, I’ll combine a gentle, yet direct approach to support you in your goals. We will discover which negative self-beliefs are guiding the choices you make and replace those with values-based decisions. Hopefully, you’ll find inner knowing and peace throughout this process and we will move towards radical acceptance and self-compassion.
It is important to recognize the mental health field’s negative impact on marginalized communities including those who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQIAA+. I identify as a white, cisgender, non-disabled woman that strives to be justice-oriented and anti-oppressive without centering myself. I trust that you are the expert, with no expectation for you to teach me. If this (or anything really) feels like a concern, I will listen.
I operate from a trauma-informed, anti-racist, ally, feminist, and health-at-every-size lens. Abortion and gender-affirming care are essential parts of health care. Therapy is not a space to be oppressive or hateful and will not be tolerated.
It is with my genuine respect, I acknowledge that Indigenous peoples were the original stewards of the land we live on. New Jersey was the traditional homeland of several Indigenous peoples including the Munsee Lenape and Mohican Tonkawa; Austin was homeland to Nʉmʉnʉʉ Sookobitʉ (Comanche), Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), Jumanos, and Coahuiltecan; and Connecticut to Wappinger, Wangunks, Tunxis, Quinnipiac. This land is Native land.
Inclusion & Equity
My guiding values
Imperfection
After we realize perfection is impossible, the freedom to be ourselves is unleashed. I strive to be myself with clients to create a safe space to be vulnerable.
Loving kindness
A Buddhist practice: a state of mind that involves feeling and expressing unconditional kindness and love towards all beings.
Clarity
“For me, an area of moral clarity is: you're in front of someone who's suffering and you have the tools at your disposal to alleviate that suffering or even eradicate it, and you act.” - Paul Farmer
Compassion
As a social worker, I hold unconditional positive regard for clients and lead with care and curiosity.
Motherhood
INFERTILITY & PERINATAL LOSS
PERFECTIONISM
Training & Education
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW-S)
Master’s in Social Work & Bachelor’s in Social Work
Former perinatal social worker in a hospital setting
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Non-violent Communication (NVC)
Currently training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Guest lecturer and presenter to colleges, residency programs, and Postpartum Support International