Maggie Pagan, LPC
Grief Specialist & Cancer Survivor
Hablo Español | Serving clients in person at our Humboldt Park clinic and virtually throughout the Chicago area.
Quick Facts
Designation
Licensed Professional Counselor
Languages
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Fluent)
Location
In-Person at our Chicago Office
In-Person & Telehealth
Ages
Children 8+ through Older Adults (55+)
Main Specialties
Pre-Teens/Teens (12+), Young adults, Older adults (55+)
Availability
Accepting new clients
What I Help With
The decision to enter therapy is the first step in healing and the next step in regaining insight and empowerment. I specialize in working with individuals who are navigating trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and the unique challenges that come with cancer survivorship.
As a cancer survivor myself, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work. I understand the fear, the grief, the loss of identity, and the journey of finding new purpose. I know what it's like to sit on both sides of the therapy relationship.
My 3 Core Specialties
1. Grief & Loss
Supporting individuals through the death of loved ones, divorce, job loss, identity transitions, and other significant losses. Grief isn't linear, and there's no "right way" to grieve.
2. Cancer Survivorship & Medical Trauma
Working with cancer survivors, their families, and anyone navigating serious illness. I understand the fear of recurrence, the survivor's guilt, the changed relationship with your body, and the challenge of moving forward.
3. Trauma & PTSD
Trauma-informed care for survivors of childhood trauma, complex trauma, PTSD, and traumatic experiences. Creating a safe space where healing can begin.
I also help with...
My Approach to Therapy
I take a gentle yet direct approach, meeting you where you are with compassion and respect. My orientation is solution-focused with an emphasis on insight and recovery—we'll work together to identify what you want to change and create practical steps to get there.
"Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life."
I practice mindfulness and help clients build inner peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. I integrate trauma-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), grief therapy, and spiritualism/existentialism when appropriate.
I value your expertise on your own life and what you hope to get from therapy. I'm here to support your journey toward stability, clarity, and fulfillment.
Therapy Approaches I Use
Professional Background & Education
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois with experience working with children, teens, adults, and older adults. My clinical training emphasized trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices.
As a cancer survivor, I navigated my own journey through fear, anxiety, grief, and ultimately finding new purpose. This lived experience informs my work and allows me to offer authentic empathy to clients facing similar challenges.
I work with pre-teens, teens, young adults, adults, and older adults (ages 8 through 55+), making me one of the few therapists who can support entire families across generations.
Ready to Get Started?
Taking the first step toward healing takes courage. I'm here to support you on your journey toward greater peace, clarity, and fulfillment.