MEGAN PENNEL
MSW, LCSW, LAC
I believe therapy should be a genuine collaboration that honors your unique story, strengths, and goals. Healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. That’s why I work alongside you to create a space where your voice is central and the work we do is meaningful to you. I approach therapy through a social work empowerment lens, helping you tap into your resilience while supporting you in navigating life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
With over a decade of experience in the mental health and substance use fields, I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults across a variety of settings including residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and virtual therapy. I'm dually licensed in both mental health and substance use disorders, and specialize in supporting individuals dealing with co-occurring conditions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.
I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful approach to processing trauma and shifting patterns that no longer serve you. I also incorporate evidence-based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My style blends structured, skills-based support with a warm and collaborative relationship to help foster insight, healing, and lasting change.
I especially enjoy working with people who are navigating anxiety, perfectionism, and religious trauma. These struggles often come with deep feelings of self-doubt, disconnection, or pressure to meet impossible standards. My goal is to support you in reconnecting with your voice, your values, and your sense of self. At the core of my work is a belief in the inherent worth and goodness of every person. I strive to create a therapeutic space where you feel safe, respected, and empowered throughout your healing process.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Idaho and my Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. After living in several states, I’m grateful to be back in the Northwest and now call Montana home. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me outdoors with my family and our two dogs, curled up with a good book, or working on a crochet project.
Megan has specialized training in:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Cognitive Behavior
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Megan has extensive experience in treating:
Depression
Anxiety
Traumatic Experiences
ADHD
Co-occurring conditions
Substance use disorders