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Claire Sharkey, LCSW
Message from Claire
After working for 8 years at a New York City hospital in obstetrics, neonatology, and pediatrics; providing individual and group counseling and running supportive programs through multiple New York City non-profit organizations; serving as clinical director of a New York grief organization; and becoming a parent myself, I decided to build a therapy practice around supporting the patients and caregivers who I had worked with and the healthcare providers involved in that care. My experience providing individual counseling to children, young adults, women at all stages of the perinatal journey, and parents, while also providing group therapy has allowed me to use the perspectives of the members in complex family and community systems to better treat each individual that I work with in therapy. My work extends throughout the life course to a specific expertise in grief and bereavement, especially in perinatal and child loss. Additionally, my time spent working with and providing peer group support to doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff in the hospital setting, allows me to understand on a deep level the compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma associated with medical care, particularly in intensive care unit settings and most recently in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In working with me, you will find a warm, non-judgmental, and candid therapist with great personal regard for clients who will meet you where you are in your therapeutic journey. I am passionate about supporting people through challenging life experiences or transitions, creating and maintaining deep and meaningful connections through relationships, identifying and achieving individual goals, and finding personal and professional fulfillment. I believe that the strongest foundation for success in therapy is a genuine connection between a person and their therapist and think that “fit” is as important as the methods we employ. I utilize a strengths-based approach combining talk therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based practice. I feel deeply humbled, honored, and grateful to be allowed into my clients’ lives and share in their growth. I look forward to talking with you.
About Claire's practice
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
$$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
In-person available: No
Virtual available: Yes
Fertility
Pregnancy
Post-Partum Depression
Parenting
Women's Obstacles
Grief and Bereavement
Life Transitions
Burnout
Out of network providers
NJ + 1 more
Why state matters
Get to Know Claire
What are your policies and practices around insurance?
I am not an in-network provider. However, I will provide you with a statement for our sessions, which might be eligible for reimbursement through your out of network benefits. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly.
Where did you work before going into private practice?
I have worked as a hospital social worker working with women, children, and families in obstetrics and pediatrics in both outpatient and inpatient critical care settings. I have worked in various roles as an individual therapist, group facilitator, program manager, and clinical director for two New York bereavement organizations and a cancer support organization.
How do you approach diversity in the room or working with clients who may come from a different background than you?
I hope to create an inclusive and welcoming environment. I approach diversity and differences in background from a standpoint of curiosity and a willingness to learn. How we identify, the affinity groups we belong to, and the systems of privilege and oppression we navigate inform our life experiences, but we are all still unique individuals. You are the expert on your lived experience and it is your perspective that we will focus on in sessions.
What degrees do you have and what techniques are you trained in?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Science in Social Work and Bachelors of Arts in Human Development and English. My post-graduate training has primarily been in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My areas of focus have been grief especially working with grieving children or perinatal loss; pregnancy and postpartum support and maternal wellness; children and parenting, young adults, and healthcare workers.