Clare Friedlander
Hi- my name is Clare Friedlander, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with thirty years of experience in clinical settings. I have worked with men and women adjusting to life transitions and chronic health issues, as well as those with issues related to addiction, depression, anxiety, and serious mental illness. I have also worked with hundreds of Veterans, many with PTSD. My approach is client-centered, incorporating mindfulness techniques and evidence-based practices, as well as the ways aspects of identity and experience shape mental health and well-being. My goal is to support people in improving relationships, improving quality of life and sense of well-being, and creating meaningful change in their life.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, begin to build a safe, supportive foundation for our work together, and for you to determine if you feel we are a good fit. I will ask what brings you to therapy at this time, what challenges you are currently facing, and what you hope to gain from our work. We'll go at a pace you are comfortable with. I may ask questions about your personal history, family background, relationships, and any past experiences with counseling. If you have specific goals for therapy, we will develop a plan for reaching those goals together. If you don't have specific goals, I can help you to identify them, and we'll develop realistic next steps that are aligned with your goals and values.
Strengths
My greatest strengths are my depth of experience, my desire to ensure that you feel both seen and heard, and my steady, compassionate and nonjudgemental presence.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve adults who are navigating life transition, anxiety, depression, trauma, recovery from substance use, and the lasting impact of shame or self-critical core beliefs. I am well-positioned to work with clients who may feel stuck in painful patterns- whether related to relationships, chronic health conditions, identity, or major life shifts. I strive to create a collaborative and compassionate space for clients who are cautious or reluctant, or those who are highly motivated.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
I use a psychodynamic approach, which means I help clients explore ways in which patterns of relationships and early experiences may shape their current thoughts, emotions and relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to strengthen their awareness, emotional regulation, and ability to respond more intentionally to life's challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, develop practical coping strategies, explore their core beliefs and values, and build skills that support lasting emotional and behavioral change.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize Motivational Interviewing to help clients strengthen their own motivation for change. I take a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach that emphasizes empathy, personal autonomy, and building confidence as clients move toward goals.
Strength-Based
I utilize a strengths-based approach by helping clients identify and build upon their existing abilities, resilience, and personal values. I focus on empowering clients to recognize what is already working, while collaboratively developing strategies that support growth, confidence, and lasting change.
Interpersonal
I utilize interpersonal psychotherapy to help clients understand how their relationships and communication patterns impact their mood and sense of well-being, and to strengthen their ability yo navigate conflict, transitions, grief and role changes effectively.