Claire Chavarria
My name is Claire Chavarria, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I graduated from Sacramento State University with my BA in Psychology, and a minor in counseling. I went on to get my master's from Northcentral University in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have experience working with children, teens and adults who need a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss trauma, ADHD, general and social anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions and more.
I love to use anything a client enjoys for play in therapy, from Geek fandoms to hobbies like video games, sports, traveling, music, art and animals.
First session
I view the therapist/client relationship to be a journey where the client is in the driver's seat and the therapist is like GPS. I am a resource to my clients, finding the best empirical methods to help clients reach their goals.
Strengths
I take play seriously. I love to use anything a client enjoys for play in therapy, from Geek fandoms to hobbies like video games, sports, traveling, music, art and animals. Geek Therapy is a thing! Geek Therapy is a term that refers to a therapeutic approach that incorporates elements of geek and pop culture, such as video games, movies, comics, and other forms of media, into the therapeutic process. It's an innovative way of connecting with clients who have a strong affinity for these interests and using them as tools for personal growth, self-expression, and healing. Geek Therapy recognizes the positive impact that these interests can have on mental health and well-being.
Ideal clients
I have experience working with Pre-Teen, Teen, Young Adults, and Adults. I am culturally competent in multiple cultures such as Hispanic, Asian, Immigrant families, Neurodivergent and Geek/Gamer subcultures.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, empowering them to develop healthier thinking patterns and behaviors. My training and experience allow me to tailor CBT techniques to each client's unique challenges and goals.
Attachment-based
I am skilled in Attachment-Based Therapy through my deep understanding of how early relational patterns influence present-day emotional and interpersonal functioning. I integrate this approach to help clients explore their attachment histories and develop secure, trusting relationships—with others and themselves.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate DBT skills such as distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness to support clients with emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My strengths lie in making DBT tools both accessible and engaging for clients of all ages.
Play Therapy
I use Play Therapy to connect with children and adolescents in a developmentally appropriate way, helping them express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills. I frequently integrate Geek Therapy—using pop culture, video games, and fandom-based tools—to create meaningful, therapeutic experiences that resonate with clients’ interests and identities.
Positive Psychology
I apply Positive Psychology principles to help clients cultivate strengths, build resilience, and increase overall well-being. I integrate tools like gratitude practices, values clarification, and the PERMA model to support clients in creating a life rich in meaning, joy, and connection.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 134810