Meet Megan Youtz

The thought of sharing your struggles with a stranger can feel vulnerable and risky. Finding someone that you feel comfortable with is a really important part of the process. My approach to counseling is to hold sacred space with you- this space and dedicated time is especially sacred in the hustle and bustle of life. To prioritize, slow down and explore your human experience might feel like a luxury, but in fact it is a necessity. Sometimes life pulls us so hard, that we are forced into this space, other times it is a slow burn that builds. When we listen carefully, we often can figure out what we need, lovingly challenge the thoughts that do not serve us and take steps to connecting to our authentic selves.

I work with older teens, adults and couples. My counseling lens is rooted in family systems- understanding how our family relationships and experiences shape us, and grief and loss- reconnecting to the world after the loss of a loved one or major life transition. I specialize in grief and loss counseling, particularly supporting bereaved parents after the loss of a child. This is a loss we don’t speak about nearly enough in our society. If you have experienced the loss of your child, prenatally through adulthood, you do not have to walk this journey alone.

I also have experience working with adults and couples as they process the impact of illness, understanding how it affects you individually, and the ripple effects it has on your family system. I will help you to explore big questions like “How are we going to get through this?” and “Who am I now?”. I work with couples on their relationship, and also with the caregiver role. I have completed the Level 1 and Level 2 trainings in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and apply that method when I work with couples.

Working in the hospital setting for the last decade, particularly through the pandemic, has cast a light on the importance of care for healthcare workers. Healthcare can be an amazing place to work, but it is not without sacrifice! Come explore ways to manage bearing witness to intense emotion and sorrow, build your own self-care in the midst of the never-ending demand or discover how you decide when it is time to move on from a career that has become a part of who you are?

I received my Master’s Degree from Wilmington University in Clinical Counseling and my Bachelor’s Degree from Millersville University in Psychology. I see clients in person at both the East Petersburg and Lancaster locations and also offer online therapy.

I grew up in Lancaster County and after some years away, have come to appreciate all this community has to offer. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially my husband and two kids.