Margaret Hicke M.A., MFT

I was born in Washington, D.C., and lived in many states throughout the country before moving to San Diego in 1972. I began my college studies at the University of Detroit; however, I interrupted that pursuit to become married and eventually to raise my family of six children. During that time I volunteered with children of various ages in diverse programs. In 1984 I returned to school, completing a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science in 1986 and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1988. After extensive internships, which included private practice, county work, hospice, and working with children in grades K through 8 in private schools, I became a licensed therapist in 1990.

From 1990 to 1994 I was the Assistant Director of the Christian Institute for Psychotherapy and Training, where I created and administered programs, provided clinical and administrative supervision for college students and created staff development and spiritual programs for licensed therapists and interns. The Institute provided psychotherapy for all socioeconomic groups. We trained, placed and supervised interns as counselors at several schools. An effective and extensive eighteen week parenting program was designed by the combined efforts of the Institute staff and educators from the community. This program was presented in various milieus throughout San Diego County.

I maintain a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the Mission Valley area of San Diego and I work as a school counselor at two private schools in San Diego County. In my capacity as school counselor I provide counseling, workshops and retreats for the students, parents and staff at the schools. In my private practice I provide psychotherapy for individuals, families, children and couples of all ages. I also offer support groups, therapy groups, workshops and seminars. In addition to the anger management groups and parent support groups, I facilitate a women's support group.

I have an extensive background and long term interest in working with people with special needs, including those with developmental delays, speech delays, physical challenges, and combinations of delays. My training in non-verbal therapies, such as art and play therapy, provides a solid basis for working with these populations. Use of play and art therapy is not limited to those with special needs; it is also an invaluable adjunct in all of the therapy I provide and in many of the workshops which I present. Non-verbal therapy has proved to be invaluable in my anger management work with young children.

I have presented classes at San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and Grossmont, Mesa, Miramar and Southwestern Community Colleges. The topics include Grief, Play Therapy, Relationships, Divorce, Parenting Today, Self-Esteem, Communication and The Balancing Act for the Single Parent/Displaced Homemaker. Most of all I enjoy the opportunities I have to present workshops to parents, because I have a special place in my heart for parents and honor the work that they do with their children. Topics for parents may include: developmental issues; adolescence, anger management, communication, sexuality, spirituality, forgiveness, education, stress. I have had several articles published in the newsletter for San Diego Chapter of the California Association of Marriage Family Therapists. I was the contributing editor for parenting for the Breadwinner Newsletter for Single Parents and I edited, published and contributed to the Institute Newsletter for the Christian Institute. I am a clinical member of the California and the American Associations of Marriage and Family Therapists and of the Association of Play Therapists.

I will be happy to respond to comments and questions about information on this website.

You can e-mail me at marge@angrykids.com

Marge Hicke