Clara Hayes

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist- Associate

Supervised by Claudia Thompson, LMFT-S, LPC-S

Clara is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist- Associate who sees couples and individuals experiencing issues of identity, sexuality, depression, and anxiety. Feeling dissociated or checked out from your own body, negative body image, or past trauma can stop you from experiencing pleasure and finding fulfillment in life. Clara guides clients into connecting back to their bodies to experience, again, how emotions, thoughts, and body sensations are all tied together.

Clara sees couples and relationships that would like to deepen their sense of connection, their ability to repair from conflict, and form a stronger bond. Even the strongest relationships suffer from periods of distance, past traumas interfering with connection, and recurring patterns that keep us dissatisfied and frustrated.

Clara also sees individuals who are ready to get on the right path with their relationships and dating. You may feel dissatisfied and frustrated in your relationships, like you keep dating the same unhealthy types of people over and over. If you have anxiety or fear about getting into a new relationship, Clara helps guide you to figure out what you truly want from a partner, and have the confidence to express your wants and needs.

It can be scary to open up to a stranger or feel uncomfortable feelings that come up during counseling. Clara lends a caring presence and creates a space where you can open up at a pace that works for you.

Approach to Counseling

Clara uses Emotionally Focused Therapy techniques to deepen your understanding of your emotional experience and the experience of the people who are important to you. With better understanding of how you feel, you can more easily communicate those emotions and what you are needing from your relationships.

Clara understands that who you are is more than the thoughts you have. Your mind, body, and spirit are all a part of who you are as a whole human. Using Somatic Therapy techniques, you will bring awareness to how the feelings in your body relate to your emotions. Clara integrates mindfulness practices in session to help clients access a sense of safety in their bodies and feel a greater sense of ease in everyday life.

Clara is sex positive, LGBTQ affirming, and works with both monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Clara aims to hold a safe space for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals.

Clara takes a non-shaming, non-judgmental approach to therapy, and believes that feeling safe with your counselor is integral to your growth.