Claire Whiteman LPCC-S, ATR
It is an honor to introduce myself to you! My name is Claire Whiteman and I have a passion and love for helping others grow and heal. I strongly believe each of us holds a unique place in this world, even when we are struggling through our darkest moments. I aim to provide a nonjudgmental environment that allows you to feel safe, encourages personal growth, embraces your unique strengths, increases self-compassion, and promotes healing. Asking for help takes courage! My goal is to assist you in finding ways to be more equipped to handle your life stressors, whatever those are. I believe we are made up of many attributes. A diagnosis is simply a label to identify a group of different symptoms and not the whole person. A therapeutic relationship based on safety, honesty, and trust is essential in creating change.
I specialize in working with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, addiction, parenting issues, life transition, relationship issues, LGBTQIA, and long-standing family-of-origin issues. I utilize evidence based, integrative approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Attachment, Strength Based, Humanistic, Trauma Informed, Mindfulness and Art Therapy. I have worked in numerous settings such as community based, hospital inpatient settings, outpatient settings and in private practice. I primarily focus on working with teens through adults and provide supervision to fellow counselors.
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision status (LPCC-S) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). I graduated Cum Laude from Westmont college with an AA in Fine arts and a BA in Psychology. I obtained my MA in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline college. I have been published, presented research at local and international conferences, and was awarded the Art Therapy Excellence Award from Ursuline College in 2015. I was a charter member of the Art Therapy and Counseling Mentoring Program in 2017. When I’m not working, I enjoy time with family, engaging in art projects, being outside, playing with my dog, and nature photography.
I would love the opportunity to meet with you to see how I may assist you in your journey toward healing.
Why the name Incite Grace?
The concept of creating movement or a passion towards increasing self compassion and understanding is an underlying cord throughout my therapy framework. The word Incite means: To move to action: stir up: spur on: urge on. The word Grace has many meanings and is both a noun and a verb. My focus was on all the aspects associated with this word such as: an instance of kindness, compassion, ease and suppleness, mercy or pardon, dignity/honor, and beauty. I chose the combination of these two words due to their complexities and juxtaposition. Therapy is complex and yet can lead to the most beautiful outcomes!
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Resource www.merriam-webster.com
