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 the client by incorporating their strengths and interests in order empower them to find a meaningful way of expression that feels 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. I earned my master’s in Early Childhood Mental Health in 2021 at San Diego State University and studied Child Development at Whittier College. My experience has been primarily with children, adolescents, transitional aged youth, and families ranging from ages 0-21.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
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. Next, we will work together to explore your desired areas of focus and create a tailored treatment plan by collaboratively developing therapy goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I feel my natural curiosity and open mind supports my clients in feeling heard and seen without judgement. Additionally, I incorporate and offer opportunities for creativity within sessions such as art, play and writing to open new ways of expression beyond speaking.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
As a provider I have 4 years of experience which has primarily been with children, adolescents, transitional aged youth, caregivers and families. I love working with children, adolescents, and families by supporting them in learning and developing coping skills and helpful tools to navigate life's challenges.
About Claire McNally
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
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.
Play Therapy
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.
Strength-Based
I inherently 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.
Attachment-based
Through my experience and education in early childhood mental health I have learned how impactful our early relationships are and how our attachment style plays a role in our relationships of all types as children, adolescents and even adults. I utilize attachment theory to support clients in recognizing and understanding their attachment style and how it shows up in the relationships as well how you they can navigate their emotions and reactions in relationships more effectively through acquired insight on their attachment style.