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Peggy participated in the development and implementation of an in-patient adolescent addiction facility in Southern Maryland, where she was employed as an Addictions Counselor. Peggy developed curriculum and provided training through the University of Maryland School of Social Work Training Department on the use of Family Centered Practice in Child Welfare. Peggy believes in the philosophy that people can maintain a positive level of engagement and benefit from group interventions. She is a Certified Facilitator in Girls Circle and provides ongoing Girls Circle activities. Peggy has been certified in Trauma Studies. She has extensive training and experience working with children, adults, and families. She has participated in ongoing training since 2000 in the areas of Family Centered Practice, Family Team Meetings, and Family Group Decision Making. Peggy has been trained as a Facilitator and has participated in ongoing skill development, including a 40-hour Mediation Training and a 20-hour Child Custody Mediation Training.

Other specialised training includes:

  • Critical Incident Stress Management

  • Forensic Interviewing of sexual abuse victims

  • Evaluation and treatment of sexually abused children and adolescents

  • Attachment-Based Family Therapy

  • Clinical Intensive Training in Family Injustice under the direction of Chloe Madanes

  • State of Maryland (OETAS) addiction treatment for adolescents and families

  • Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies through The Trauma Center at JRI, Boston, MA

  • Ongoing training in trauma assessment, attachment issues, and therapy implementation with Dr. Lark Eshelman

Peggy is trained in EMDR, and Neuro-feedback treatment protocols now available through her practice.

Margaret M Gaestel (Peggy) MSW, LCSW (DE), LCSW-C (MD), LCSW (NC)

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Tara Donoven, Clinical Intern
 

No matter where you are on your journey, I am here to meet you. As a Clinical Intern Counselor, I am committed to providing inclusive, compassionate, and personalized care to all individuals seeking growth and healing. My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in meeting every client precisely where they are at, ensuring our work is collaborative and empowering.

​I bring specialized, trauma-informed expertise in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, navigating complex sexual health and intimacy issues, and processing the lasting effects of trauma. Whether you are working through difficult life transitions, struggling with anxiety, or striving to build a more authentic life, I offer a non-judgmental space to explore, process, and ultimately thrive.

​Utilizing Trauma-Informed Approaches and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), my goal is to help you cultivate resilience, change destructive patterns, and foster deeper self-understanding. Let's partner to reclaim your narrative and build the life you envision.

414 East Sevannah Road,
Lewes DE

19958, USA
pgaestel@thebettertogethergroup.org

www.thebettertogethergroup.org

 

Tel: (302) 703 2276

Peggy's Availability

Tue - Thu: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tara's Availability

Tue-Thur: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM

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© 2025 Synergy Behavioral Group.

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