I am passionate about using creative approaches to help clients better understand themselves, work through difficult experiences, and grow into who they want to be. My work primarily focuses on children, adolescents, and young adults, and I often incorporate Play Therapy, Expressive art techniques, EMDR, and other approaches that give clients ways to communicate and process experiences beyond traditional talk therapy.

I have extensive experience and training in trauma-informed care, including working with trauma and dissociation. I believe therapy should provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can show up as themselves and communicate in ways that feel natural to them. When working with children and teens, I also value helping families better understand one another, strengthen communication, and create relationships built on connection and kindness.

Areas of Focus

• Children & Teens: Children and teens do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or why they are struggling. I use Play Therapy, art, creative activities, and other developmentally appropriate approaches to help them express themselves, understand their emotions, and work through difficult experiences. I also work with parents and families to better understand what may be happening beneath a child's behavior and find ways to support progress outside of therapy.

  
  

• Young Adults & Adults: I enjoy working with young adults and adults who may feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, stuck in patterns they do not fully understand, or unsure of where they fit. Therapy does not have to look the same for everyone. I use a combination of conversation, creative approaches, parts work, and trauma-informed therapy based on each client's needs, comfort level, and goals.

  
  

• Trauma, Dissociation & EMDR: Trauma can affect much more than our memories. It can influence emotions, relationships, beliefs about ourselves, physical reactions, and our sense of safety long after an experience has ended. I work with clients who have experienced trauma as well as those experiencing dissociation or feeling disconnected from themselves or their experiences. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and parts work to help clients safely process difficult experiences and reduce the ways the past continues to affect the present.

  
  

• Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP): For some clients, stress and trauma can leave the nervous system feeling constantly on alert or make it difficult to feel safe, connected, and regulated. I offer the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) as an additional therapeutic tool for appropriate clients. SSP uses specially filtered music and is designed to support nervous system regulation, helping create a foundation for connection and therapeutic work.

  
  

• LGBTQIA+ Support: I provide an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ clients to explore identity, relationships, family dynamics, and other life experiences without judgment. I particularly enjoy working with transgender and gender-diverse clients and their families, including helping families strengthen understanding and communication while navigating questions and decisions related to gender and transgender healthcare.

Clinical Expertise & Support

I am qualified to treat a variety of mental health conditions and help individuals and families navigate complex life challenges, including:

• Trauma, PTSD, and Dissociation

• Anxiety and Adjustment Difficulties

• Depression and Mood Concerns

• ADHD and Executive Functioning Challenges

• Autism and Neurodivergence

• Identity Exploration and LGBTQIA+ Experiences

• Emotional Regulation and Self-Esteem

• Social Skills and Peer Relationships

• Bullying and Stress Management

• Family Dynamics and Relationship Challenges

• Divorce and Family Changes

• Parenting Support

Therapeutic Approach

My work is rooted in a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe enough to be themselves and have choices in how they communicate and participate in the therapeutic process. I integrate several approaches based on each person's age, needs, experiences, and goals, including:

• Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work

• Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)

• Art and Creative Therapeutic Interventions

• Mindfulness and Radical Self-Acceptance

I identify as agender and prefer to be called Clare rather than Miss, Ms., or Mister in clinical settings. Many children perceive me as male, so I like families to know this before scheduling, particularly if they are specifically seeking a female clinician.

My own experiences have also contributed to my passion for working with transgender and gender-diverse clients and their families. I understand that navigating gender identity and decisions related to transgender healthcare can bring questions and emotions for both clients and the people who love them. I strive to create a space where clients and families can talk openly, build mutual understanding, and make thoughtful decisions that are right for them.

My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you or your child can feel comfortable being fully yourselves. There is no single way that healing or growth is supposed to look, and our work together will be shaped by your individual needs, strengths, and experiences. Through creativity, connection, and approaches that feel accessible to you, we can work toward greater understanding, confidence, and a stronger sense of safety in yourself and your relationships.