Our Clinicians

Dr. Nancy Maguire - Psychologist

I am a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I graduated from the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University in 1995.

I am the president-elect of the board of directors for the Philadelphia Area Group Psychotherapy Society, which provides training in group psychotherapy, including continuing education for psychologist through the American Psychological Association.

My early career experience was influenced by Dr. Frank Masterpasqua. He was a guiding voice during graduate school. He also introduced me to the work of Robert Kegan, who also continues to have a significant impact on my view of humanity. After receiving my doctorate I began working with children in the child welfare system. I worked with abused and neglected children in residential care. This early work was profoundly integral because we cared for every aspect of the child. We were always trying to make decisions that were clinically appropriate, even for issues such as attending a prom or going on vacation. I learned that the impact of abuse and neglect pervades a child's well being, and yet there is a hopefulness that emerges when an opportunity for healing is provided. I also learned that the larger "system" of governmental agencies does not always act in a child's best interest.

This experience also introduced me to the profound work of treating trauma survivors. I continue to treat trauma, especially child sexual abuse. Effective healing for trauma is integral. It means understanding the impact on the body and mind, and where these two intersect. Healing trauma involves "re-wiring" the brain to reduce anxiety and integrate the traumatic experience. This occurs in the context of a safe and therapeutic relationship. Relationships can become disrupted as a result of trauma, and this too needs to be healed.

I also began teaching in 1997. Teaching primarily graduate students at Widener University, the first class I taught was an introduction to Public Psychology. This was an opportunity to bring an integral viewpoint to the delivery of services to the most vulnerable and underserved populations. I was then asked to teach other classes, including Group Psychotherapy, Family Therapy and therapy for sexual minorities.

I had a part time private practice beginning in 1996. This became full time in 2003 when I opened a center city location. As part of my practice I work part time at the Women's Therapy Center. I was their interim executive director from January 2005 until October 2006. The Women's Therapy Center provides me with a vital community of excellent clinicians.

Anne Denner, M.S.S., L.S.W.

My professional career began as a high school teacher after graduating from the University of Portland with a degree in secondary education. I spent four years teaching as a volunteer in an organization with a social justice mission. I taught at St. Mary High School a very diverse, urban high school in Jersey City, N.J. I learned a great deal from this experience, its impact served as the primary impetus for my decision to return to school to obtain a degree in clinical social work. I graduated from Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research in 1993 and I am a licensed social worker.

My first years of experience as a clinician were spent working with people seeking help for chemical dependency. However, it soon became clear to me that addiction, (in whatever form it takes) is frequently a symptom, a manifestation of a deeper internal struggle. Over the past fifteen years I have worked in a variety of clinical treatment settings with adolescents, adults and families. I continue to treat addiction but also see a larger picture of connection to core emotional, physical and spiritual wounds. Core wounds may originate in childhood and may be the outcome of traumatic experiences; struggles with depression or anxiety may result. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals dealing with these challenges.
   
I have chosen to spend much of my professional life working with people sometimes viewed as being on the margins of society. An individual may feel marginalized for many different reasons. Anyone who is suffering, feels alone or feels unable to live their life fully may feel limited or marginalized. It takes great courage to work to overcome negative experiences, beliefs or messages about one ’s self. I work part-time as a therapist at Intercommunity Action, a community mental health clinic in Philadelphia, in addition to working in private practice. My goal is to be a source of support as well as a force for change. Each person has the right to have and live their life to its fullest, as defined by that individual.