MENUClara Phoenix, LMHCA
Clara Phoenix’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
Hello and Welcome! My name is Clara and I’m so glad you’re here because that means you are ready for change.
A little bit about me…I started my educational journey back in the early 2,000’s. A lot of life happened, and I am no stranger to adverse events. Years later, I returned to the path of academics and earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Marylhurst University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pacific University. I am also invested in continued educational opportunities aimed at enhancing individual sessions to provide the best in compassionate, empathetic, and successful care.
Suffering can manifest in different ways and in many forms. As complex humans, life tends to come in waves of ups and downs. Some factors we can control, others we cannot. When waves of sorrow, pain, anger, loss, or other strong emotions become too overwhelming, it can muddy the waters and make it difficult to weather life’s storms alone. Maladaptive thinking and a negative pattern of behaviors are often a manifestation of such times. By unraveling this destructive cycle with targeted interventions, new learning can occur and bring us back to a place of hope, harmony, peace, and happiness.
My therapeutic approach is through a cognitive behavioral lens. I am also influenced by second and third generation approaches such as narrative therapy, cognitive processing therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy. Everyone has a unique journey and perspective, however, bringing awareness to our thoughts, emotions and behaviors can shed light on what is maintaining our distress and help us discern negative core beliefs that may be keeping us stuck.
Therapy is not for the faint of heart and takes a lot of time, effort, and energy. As we learn a new way to be in the world, it can be uncomfortable at times. I look forward to collaboratively helping you reach your goals by gently guiding you as you learn, develop, and grow. I am so honored to support you in your journey to becoming healthier and happier and to kickstart your waves of change, for the better.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Stress
- Depression
- Trauma
- Generalized Anxiety
- Obsessions and Compulsions
- Body Dysmorphia
- Emetophobia
- Excoriation
- Trichotillomania
- Panic
- Phobias
- Self-Esteem
- Interpersonal Conflict
Q&A with Clara
1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
I’ve found that addressing the immediate symptoms oftentimes unveils unhelpful patterns of behavior. Once these patterns are initially addressed, oftentimes, deeper issues begin to emerge, and can then be explored, if necessary.
2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
I view therapy as a collaborative process. I believe you are the expert in your own life and experience. My role as a therapist is to meet you where you are in your healing journey. I will listen carefully and gently support you by introducing appropriate and effective skills, expertise, and knowledge for you to reach your goals.
3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?
I am a genuine person and easy to talk to. Due to my own past relationship with adversity, empathy comes very naturally to me. In my experience, most people do not feel heard or listened to on a deep level. Many people just want to feel understood. We, as human beings need true connection to feel belonging in this world. I understand this and am a deep listener.
4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
Mind reading would come in pretty darn handy for this gig, don’t you think?
5.) What makes you laugh?
I find many things funny! Hilarious cat videos (Have you seen Pinky the Cat? It’s a classic), ironic memes, the look on my dog’s face when I change up his food, my daughter’s silly ability to cross her eyes, any movie with Melissa McCarthy…Laughter is so good for the soul.
6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
A dinner with Maya Angelou, famous poet, and author, would be intriguing.
