Clare Thoele

Clare is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a master’s degree from DePaul University and undergraduate degree from Scripps College. With a warm approach focused on building a relationship based on respect and safety, Clare creates a therapeutic space where clients can explore their goals and challenges authentically. She integrates evidence-based modalities, with a focus on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work, as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) applied through a trauma-informed lens to help clients better understand and address their emotional and behavioral patterns. Clare has experience working with individuals navigating complex trauma, medical trauma, and those living with chronic illness, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, and those on the autism spectrum, as well as parenting challenges, anxiety, and OCD.

Clare is passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD, as well as individuals living with chronic illness. She understands that those navigating medical or neurodivergent experiences—particularly from marginalized communities or with intersecting identities—often face unique challenges and trauma which can impact an overall sense of self and lead to mental health challenges. Clare uses a neuroaffirming and humanistic approach, ensuring clients can show up authentically in therapy and feel supported in their lived experience. She also works with family members of neurodivergent individuals, helping parents understand their children from a strengths-based perspective while reflecting on how their own childhood experiences shape their parenting.

As a neurodivergent, white, cis-gendered woman living with invisible chronic illnesses, Clare takes a relational, trauma-informed approach to healing. She embraces the complexity her identities afford, holding space for the lived experience of marginalization while actively acknowledging the inherent privilege they provide. Clare is committed to creating a supportive, affirming environment where clients feel seen, validated, and empowered in their healing journey. Central to Clare’s approach is the belief that the behaviors and issues we bring to therapy are often parts of ourselves that were developed to keep us safe but may no longer serve us in the present. Clare helps clients explore the origins of these parts with curiosity and respect, recognizing that true change can only happen when we create space for them to express their needs. Many of these parts were formed as protective responses to societal pressures like racism, sexism, and ableism, and Clare works with clients to understand what these parts are attempting to protect them from. In doing so, clients can offer themselves the care and compassion that may have been inaccessible in other parts of their lives, fostering growth and healing.

In her free time, Clare enjoys spending time with her family (including her two one-eyed cats), tending to her indoor garden, and exploring nature within the city.