Hey I’m Claire, I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. During my time with clients, I aim to provide a safe space through a client centered approach where we work together with what you bring to therapy. I work from a lens of creativity — meaning each session will be unique to you by incorporating your strengths and interests in order to empower you to find a meaningful way of expression that feels both comfortable and safe. I lead with empathy and my belief that people are capable of change and can use our strengths to navigate life’s bumps.
In our first session together, we will spend time getting to know each other and I will hold space for you to share what has brought you to therapy. We will work together to explore your desired areas of focus in your time in therapy and create a tailored plan for therapy by collaboratively developing goals.
I feel my authentic and open minded approach supports my clients in feeling heard and seen without judgement. Additionally, I enjoy incorporating and offering opportunities for creativity within sessions such as art, play and writing to open new ways of expression beyond speaking.
While my experience has been primarily with children, teens and young adults I am also passionate about working individually with adults who are navigating anxiety, self esteem and life transitions.
I integrate components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to empower my clients to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I teach tangible techniques that can be used to manage feelings, thoughts, and behaviors so clients can feel more in control and aware of their internal experience. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral techniques into talk, play and art approaches with children, adolescents, and adults.
I utilize play therapy techniques to widen the possibilities of expression and increase comfort by encouraging open communication without being limited to words. I often use this modality with younger children (ages 0-10) but play is not limited to any age group and can be a supportive modality to all ages. Additionally, play therapy can be taught to parents in order to provide them with the tools to engage with their child in therapeutic ways.
I believe that clients are agents of change in their own lives and my role is to join my clients by building on their strengths and skills. By using this holistic and client centered approach we are able to build on strengths as well as recognize and develop new ones. Working from a strength based approach allows for strengths to be an active part of treatment and empower clients to reflect on their resiliency during even the most challenging times.