therapeutic specialties
Holistic Therapy for teenagers in Long Beach, CA & Pasadena, CA
Supporting teens 16+ in moving beyond labels, so they can feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Schedule a free & confidential Teen therapy Consult Call! Click to view calendar.
Feeling Overwhelmed, Misunderstood, or Just Done With Everything?
Being a teenager is so hard. There are the “regular things” — the love-hate dynamic with family, big emotions and even bigger opinions, constant identity shifts, friendship drama, school, and responsibilities. And then there are the “extra things” — the heavier moments that life can throw at you: an accident, parents divorcing, a sudden loss, a natural disaster, a new diagnosis, or something completely out of your control. It's a lot to hold, and sometimes even the most grounded teens (and parents) need extra support navigating it all.
I know how much the right kind of support matters, because I didn’t have it. I spent my own teen years bouncing between therapists, psychiatrists, and specialists, and was eventually sent to one of those “troubled teen” programs you sometimes hear about on the news. There was nothing truly wrong with me — I was a teenager with undiagnosed PTSD and very little support. That experience is what led me to become the therapist I wish I’d had back then.
HOW I WORK
Not your typical “sit-on-the-couch kind” of therapy
My work with teens focuses on creating a space where they can be real — not “fixed.” I blend somatic and mindfulness-based practices with evidence-based approaches like CBT, EMDR, parts work and more, to help teens understand what’s happening inside, develop emotional regulation skills, and learn to respond rather than react. Sessions often include humor, cussing, honesty, and creative exploration — because therapy should feel like a place where you can exhale and really be yourself.
Weekly Sessions
All new teen clients begin with weekly 50-minute sessions for the first three months. This consistency helps build trust, create momentum, and provide the structure needed for real progress. I also occasionally meet 1:1 with parents to offer coaching and support that aligns with their teen’s therapeutic process. Sessions are available virtually or in person, with after-school and evening hours to make scheduling easy for families.
Non-traditional Formats
I believe therapy is more than sitting in an office or filling out worksheets. I bring creativity, movement, and curiosity into the healing process — and teens tend to love that. My approach integrates somatic and mindfulness practices, walk-and-talk sessions, nature-based experiences (like parks, beaches, or hikes), games, and other creative tools to help teens feel grounded, engaged, and supported.
Holistic & Evidence-based
I integrate evidence-based approaches — including CBT, EMDR, parts work, and somatic modalities — while also inviting teens to explore how nutrition, lifestyle, and spirituality shape their well-being and sense of self. My approach is always tailored to each teen’s unique personality, needs, and goals, with a focus on helping them feel safe, understood, and capable of real growth.
WHO I TREAT
The Teens & issues I Love Supporting
My practice is best suited for adolescents navigating the real-life, everyday challenges of growing up — the mood swings, identity shifts, family tension, anxiety, and overwhelm that come with being human.
The Overwhelmed Teen
"Everything feels like too much."
For teens juggling school pressure, extracurriculars, social expectations, and the nonstop noise of comparison and perfectionism. Therapy helps build emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and find balance again.
The Highly Sensitive Teen
"I feel everything, all the time.”
For teens who pick up on others’ emotions easily, get overstimulated, or feel misunderstood for their sensitivity. Sessions focus on nervous system regulation, boundaries, and learning to see sensitivity as a strength.
The Anxious Teen
"I can’t turn my brain off."
For teens struggling with racing thoughts, worry, panic, or physical tension that makes it hard to relax or focus. Therapy helps identify triggers, develop grounding tools, and build confidence in managing anxiety.
The Teen Healing From Trauma or Loss
"Something happened that changed everything for me."
For those recovering from experiences that left lasting emotional or physical imprints — accidents, medical trauma, abuse, family instability, or grief. Somatic and trauma-focused approaches support safety and healing.
The Post-PHP/IOP/Boarding School Teen
"Those programs were traumatizing and I lost hope in therapy."
For teens who were forced to participate in a program where they received more harm than good, (which is most often the case). Therapy helps them feel safe opening up again.
The People-Pleasing or Perfectionist Teen
"If I mess up, everyone will be disappointed."
For high-achieving teens who carry tremendous pressure and who look like they have it together but are quietly burning out. We work on self-compassion, realistic expectations, and reconnecting with joy.
Let’s Talk About Fit & Boundaries:
Teen Therapy Services I Don’t Offer & Clients Who Aren’t a Fit
I’m not a crisis clinician.
I don’t work with teens who are currently in acute psychiatric care, active substance use, or residential treatment programs. I do work with individuals who have been through those systems and are ready to process the trauma and harm that often come from those experiences.
I’m not a “fix-my-kid” therapist — and I’m not a “blame-your-parents” therapist either.
Real change happens when the whole family system is willing to grow, which means I only work with teens whose parents are open to doing their own work too — with their own therapist, or sometimes in joint sessions with me and their teen.
I’m not the right fit for parents who expect check-ins or updates after every session.
In California, teens 16 and older have the legal right to privacy and confidentiality in therapy. This means I can’t share details from sessions without your teen’s consent — and that privacy is often what helps them open up and do meaningful work.
Kind Words from Colleagues
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“Clara is an incredibly intuitive and gifted therapist. Her healing journey sets her apart, and she creates a safe space for anyone seeking guidance from someone who gets it. She excels in healing trauma and fostering complete mind-body wellness.”
- Leah Smith, LMFT
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“Clara is a dynamic somatic therapist dedicated to helping women and girls reconnect with their inner power. Her blend of knowledge, insights, and skill provide her clients with the support and guidance they need to make meaningful changes in their lives!”
- Joanna Farah, AMFT
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“Clara brings a genuine sense of empathy and thoughtfulness to her work. Her ability to foster trust & understanding speaks to her dedication & skill. Her training in Somatic Experiencing creates a supportive space for meaningful & effective healing.”
- Vanessa Bellafiore, LMFT
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“Clara brings an intuitive, grounded presence that becomes apparent the moment you meet her. She is a compassionate and supportive guide for individuals navigating trauma, offering a safe space for healing and growth.”
Beth Kiacz, AMFT
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“Clara is a compassionate and deeply present clinician. She has a great understanding of Somatic Therapy, Trauma Modalities, and Psychedelic Integration.”
Chloe Bean, LMFT
Long Beach
Pasadena
Virtual
Holistic therapy For teens that fits THEIR unique needs and busy schedule
(evening sessions available)