Dr. Panicha McGuire

Dr. Panicha McGuire Founder, Living Lotus Therapy
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Registered Play Therapist
Educator | Advocate

Depression in kids and teens is often misunderstood because it doesn’t always show up as sadness. It can look like irrit...
04/21/2026

Depression in kids and teens is often misunderstood because it doesn’t always show up as sadness. It can look like irritability, shutdown, somatic complaints, or behavior changes that get labeled as “acting out” instead of signals that something deeper is going on.

Early recognition helps young people feel seen. If something feels off, it’s worth paying attention to.

Video games aren’t just entertainment! They can be tools for connection, regulation, and skill-building. These are some ...
04/16/2026

Video games aren’t just entertainment! They can be tools for connection, regulation, and skill-building. These are some of our current favorites as play therapists.

❔Curious what others are using too…what’s your favorite game right now? ❔

What does it actually mean to be a liberation-focused therapy practice?It means recognizing that mental health does not ...
04/13/2026

What does it actually mean to be a liberation-focused therapy practice?
It means recognizing that mental health does not exist in a vacuum. Western, Eurocentric psychology has shaped what we consider “normal,” “appropriate,” and even “healthy”. It often reinforces ableism, patriarchy, and white-dominant cultural norms in the process.

A liberation-focused approach challenges those assumptions. It asks therapists to look beyond symptom reduction and consider the systems impacting a person’s life, including racism, ableism, capitalism, and cultural expectations around behavior and productivity.

In neurodiversity-affirming therapy, this means moving away from compliance-based models and questioning why neurotypical behavior is treated as the standard. In play therapy, it means trusting the child’s internal world rather than imposing adult-centered expectations.

This work is not just about what happens in the therapy room. It also requires challenging the frameworks, policies, and practices that shape care in the first place. If therapy is meant to support healing, it has to make space for people as they are…not who they’re expected to be.

04/13/2026

CAREER PANEL! On Tuesday, May 5th from 12:30pm to 1:50pm in SBSG 3260, I will host a career panel featuring UCI Psychology Ph.D. students who can talk about their academic journey, about work/life balance in grad school, and about what motivated them to pursue their current educational path and research area.

Specifically, the panel will consist of the following individuals:

Maggie Canady, a 3rd year Ph.D. student in our clinical area
Jerry McDonald, a 1st year Ph.D. student in our developmental area
Grace Fishback, a 3rd year Ph.D. student in our health area
Imani Randolph, a 5th year Ph.D. student in our developmental area

Please note that although this panel was organized specifically for the students in the UCI Psych Science Post-Bacc program, I am happy to open up this event to anyone who is interested in attending.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/Spring26gradpanel

I hope to see you there!

04/08/2026

Link to register in my bio.
Pay-what-you-can for community members (including free).
Sat April 18 10AM Pacific

Workshop is open to all allied professionals and community members 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

It’s official! I’m so excited to share that I am now a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S)! 🪁Over the past deca...
04/07/2026

It’s official! I’m so excited to share that I am now a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S)! 🪁

Over the past decade, I’ve had the honor of working alongside so many children, teens, and families, witnessing firsthand how powerful and healing play can be. Becoming an RPT-S feels like a natural next step in my journey. I’m deeply excited to support the next generation of play therapists as they hone their clinical skills, deepen their understanding, and expand their capacity to show up with presence and creativity in the therapy room.

I feel grateful for every family that has trusted me over the years and for the mentors and community who have shaped me along the way. Here’s to continuing to expand the reach and impact of play therapy because healing doesn’t always happen through words!

04/06/2026
04/02/2026

Asian Americans with autism and ADHD can face late diagnoses because of cultural stigma and limited resources.

We stand alongside major healthcare and mental health organizations in condemning conversion therapy as harmful and unet...
04/01/2026

We stand alongside major healthcare and mental health organizations in condemning conversion therapy as harmful and unethical. The Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar puts existing protections at risk and we’re not neutral about that. We see the impact of these practices firsthand. We remain committed to affirming, ethical care and systemic advocacy.

Conversion therapy didn’t disappear. It just got better at hiding.The recent Supreme Court ruling makes it easier to cha...
04/01/2026

Conversion therapy didn’t disappear. It just got better at hiding.

The recent Supreme Court ruling makes it easier to challenge bans on conversion therapy by framing what happens in therapy as “free speech.” That might sound abstract, but it has real implications for how harm is regulated in healthcare.

Because conversion therapy is not just “talk.” It’s a practice that has been widely discredited and linked to depression, trauma, and suicidality. And we still see it.

At Living Lotus Therapy, we work with clients who come in after experiencing these approaches often under different names like coaching or faith-based counseling. And the impact is always harmful and long-lasting.

We believe there needs to be clear boundaries around what counts as ethical care. Therapy should not require someone to change who they are in order to be accepted. Alongside leading health and mental health organizations, we condemn conversion therapy and recognize its well-documented harm. We are committed to protecting clients through affirming, ethical, and evidence-based care as well as systemic advocacy beyond the therapy room.

Read more: https://livinglotustherapy.com/conversion-therapy-still-exists-supreme-court-ruling-harm-lgbtq-mental-health/

Conversion therapy still exists despite being widely discredited. This blog explores the 2026 Supreme Court ruling, the harms of conversion therapy, California law, and why ethical mental health care must protect LGBTQ+ individuals.

04/01/2026

JOB OPENING (master's degree, ABD, or doctoral degree required)! Assistant Professor or Instructor - Department of Psychology.

Scope/Description of Position: Part- or full-time temporary Assistant Professor or Instructor positions in Psychology for fall semester 2026 and spring semester 2027. At 50% time or greater, the position is benefits eligible. At 75% time or greater, the University contributes toward the cost of your medical and dental benefits and the faculty retirement plan. The appointment will start August 24, 2026.

Duties & Responsibilities: 1) Teaching courses based on approved course curriculum; 2) developing assessment measures (i.e., exams, quizzes, presentations, papers); 3) providing students with grade status throughout the term; 4) providing academic advising to undergraduate students; 5) attending faculty meetings; 6) holding weekly office hours; and engaging in departmental and university service. Instructors will be evaluated by students and faculty. Possible courses include General Psychology; Learning & Behavior; Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Experimental Design & Methodology; Applied Methods & Measurement; History and Systems of Psychology; Psychology: Discipline and Profession; Social Psychology; Statistical Methods; Theories of Personality; Forensics Psychology.

Qualifications

Required:
Master’s degree in psychology or related field awarded by time of appointment from a regionally accredited institution or ABD (all but dissertation) in psychology or related field from a regionally accredited institution, experience working effectively with diverse groups in educational settings, and a commitment to working with diverse populations and fostering social justice.

Preferred:
Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology or related field awarded by time of appointment from a regionally accredited institution, previous teaching experience at the collegiate level (such as Teaching Assistant experience) to a diverse group of students, evidence of effective teaching and academic rigor, evidence of scholarship in the field of psychology and the ability to collaborate with researchers with a wide range of viewpoints, evidence of strong written and oral communication skills.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $51,000-$55,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

The University of Minnesota requires applicants to apply online. For a complete job description and to apply for this position go to http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/ and search for job opening 372921. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Complete applications must include:
1. Letter of application addressing the required and preferred qualifications
2. A statement of your teaching philosophy
2. Current curriculum vitae
4. Contact information for three professional references

The letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references are uploaded during the application process. Additional materials, including teaching evaluation summaries (if applicable) may be requested after initial screening is completed.

Review of complete applications will begin April 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Final candidates will be interviewed.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Smoking, chewing to***co and the use of electronic ci******es prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.

If you have started receiving retirement annuity payments from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) your eligibility for this position may be impacted. Please contact UM Benefits at 1-800-756-2363 for any eligibility limitations.

The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

For questions about the position or the application process, please contact the search chair: Dr. Alexandra Luong at aluong@d.umn.edu

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal art
foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Address

1455 Frazee Road, Suite 500-# 565
San Diego, CA
92108

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18585229415

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About me

Dr. Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT is a psychotherapist at @ThriveTherapyStudio.

​​I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT 111378) as well as a registered play therapist (T4270) and I have been helping children, teens, families, and adults transform their lives and achieve their goals since 2012. My curiosity about human relationships and personalities led me to obtain my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Behavior at UC Irvine. My Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy was also driven by my passion for helping people develop a fulfilling and meaningful life. Witnessing my clients’ growth is absolutely the greatest gift in this profession.

​My hope for all my clients is that they would have a safe space to experience a powerful transformation in themselves and their relationships. I believe that having an authentic and collaborative relationship is essential in our work together. I use a variety of evidence-based practices to equip you with skills needed to take on life’s challenges. At the same time, I will empower you and help you gain insight to the resources you already have. I like to find a good balance in guiding my clients at their own pace while also helping them push their limits when they need a little motivation.