Pascale Claus
Pascale Claus
(she/her)
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. An immigrant from Europe and a late bloomer, I went back to school and changed careers mid-life, earning my master's degree in counseling in 2010. I have been practicing for about eight years. In addition to my work as a therapist, I also teach in the counseling graduate program at California State University, San Bernardino.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we'll begin with brief introductions before exploring the specific issues that brought you to counseling. I strongly believe in the collaborative nature of therapy, so I encourage you to ask any questions you may have—whether it's about what therapy entails, what it doesn't, or any concerns you may have about the process, especially if this is your first time seeking therapy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength lies in seeing you as more than a collection of symptoms, but as a whole person who has entrusted me with your story. I am deeply committed to using my knowledge and the best tools available to support you on your journey. Another strength that enhances my effectiveness as a therapist is my extensive life experience, both positive and challenging, which has deepened my understanding of the complexities that each individual brings to therapy. I am committed to a client-centered approach, ensuring that your unique experiences and perspectives are at the heart of our work together.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My practice is increasingly focused on individuals navigating significant life transitions or older adults (45+).
About Pascale Claus
Pascale Claus offers therapy covered by CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal), San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) and Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Attachment-based
In my role as therapist, I focus on understanding and help improving a person's relationships and emotional connections. I use this approach to explore how early attachment experiences with caregivers have shaped current relationships and emotional patterns. I work with clients to identify and address any unresolved attachment issues, helping them build healthier, more secure relationships. Through this process, clients gain insights into their attachment styles, develop new coping strategies, and foster more fulfilling connections with others. Attachment-based work is often indicated for clients who have low self-esteem and a history of trauma.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used in the mental health field for its effectiveness in treating various psychological disorders. By focusing on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors, I often use CBT in a complementary way to help individuals develop healthier ways of thinking and coping. It is particularly beneficial for conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. CBT's structured, goal-oriented approach empowers clients to tackle their issues through practical strategies, making it a versatile and evidence-based tool. With this approach, I often like to give my clients homework in between sessions.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This is the approach I use most often, because I believe in general that in our current society there is increasingly little room to be heard and seen in a holistic, or humanistic, manner. Client-centered therapy, with its emphasis on unconditional positive regard, empathetic understanding, and genuine warmth, offers a profoundly effective approach to mental health care. By creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment, this therapeutic model empowers individuals to explore their own feelings and experiences with greater clarity and self-acceptance. Through the therapist's empathetic engagement, clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, facilitating personal growth and self-actualization. The effectiveness of client-centered therapy lies in its ability to foster an authentic therapeutic alliance, which nurtures the client’s inherent capacity for self-healing and transformation. With this approach, I will often assign reading or provide psycho-educational materials to my clients.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help clients manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. It historially has integrated principles of mindfulness, acceptance, and change to address the complexities of conditions like BPD, self-harm, and chronic emotional instability but today is also used to treat PTSD and mood disorders. Via DBT I equip my clients with practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication. By fostering a balance between acceptance and change, DBT empowers individuals to build a more stable and fulfilling life while navigating their emotional challenges. The DBT approach is fairly structured, so I tend to adhere to it closely since I find that clients appreciate the anchoring effect of more structure when they already feel out of control. With this approach, I am thus more didactic and directive.
Humanistic
Closely aligned with Rogerian therapy, I use humanistic therapy as a client-centered approach that emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the individual's inherent capacity for self-healing. I focuses on the present moment, encouraging clients to explore their feelings and experiences in a non-judgmental, empathetic environment. I act as a supportive guide, helping clients discover their true potential and live authentically. I find that this therapy is particularly beneficial for those seeking to enhance self-awareness, improve self-esteem, and achieve a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.