How Can I Help You?
I am a down-to-earth therapist who can help you create some space from the challenges you’re facing so that you feel less stuck. I foster a non-judgemental and warm space in therapy where you can be real and feel genuinely respected and cared about (which usually provides a strong foundation for us to do some hard work together!) I am committed to walking with clients through challenging things at a pace that works for them.
I usually ask a lot of questions aimed at helping you build awareness about the many forces (cultural, relational, inner, historical) that have shaped your sense of self and maybe even the challenges you’re facing. My goal is to help you take up the pen to re-author this story of your life so that you can keep flourishing!
I draw from a number of evidence based practices depending on your needs. For the times when you want to “talk back” to symptoms or damaging beliefs I draw from Narrative Therapy. When challenges feel urgent or intractable I use structured tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you build stability and acceptance. If you feel your “thinking mind” has taken over, I draw from Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) to help you connect with your feelings. I draw from mindfulness based strategies and Solution Focused Therapy to help build capacity and connection with self and craft tangible solutions for tricky problems. I also incorporate somatic interventions like movement and walking into sessions if appropriate.
My Philosophy on Mental Health:
I believe that everything is connected and therefore, everything is relational. Even as individual human bodies, we are a galaxy of interconnected cells, muscles and organs. I believe remedying our mental health often starts with assessing how our relationships with our own emotions, or sleep, family, work, stress are going and then repairing those relationships. I also believe that our mental health thrives when we are rooted in strong personal values that are honored by the actions of our lives. Often suffering arises when there is a misalignment between our values and actions. Lastly, I believe that pain in life is inevitable but suffering can be mitigated. I have a keen eye towards helping those I work with move to a place of thriving rather than simply surviving.
More About Me…
I love being outdoors and take full advantage of the beautiful weather here in San Diego to hike and kayak/SUP with my family. I speak conversational Spanish and love exploring new places to eat.
Fun Fact!
I used to be a cheesemonger and now know entirely too much about the science and history of cheese.
Scheduling Information:
Claire provides both in-person and virtual sessions. She is approved to accept Aetna, Cigna and TriWest/VA insurances under her licensed supervisor.
