Rachel Clare, MSW, RSW

“Only when compassion is present, do people allow themselves to see the truth.”

— A.H. Almaas

I love working with people who have carried a lot for a long time, the thoughtful, capable ones who keep things running for everyone else. Many of my clients are Gen X and Millennial women who are navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, or the lingering effects of trauma. Some come with stories of religious or relational hurt; others are managing chronic illness, ADHD, or the quiet exhaustion that comes from years of holding it all together. 

Therapy with me isn’t about fixing what’s broken, it’s about uncovering the resilience and strength that have been there all along. I work from a collaborative, trauma-informed lens, grounded in nervous-system regulation and polyvagal theory. That means we begin by building safety and steadiness in your body and emotions before shifting toward more cognitive work. Together, we might use EMDR to process stuck memories, narrative or solution-focused therapy to reframe your story, or elements of CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Experiencing to support healing and growth. For couples, I draw on Gottman-informed practices to strengthen connection through life’s transitions. 

Clients often tell me I bring both steadiness and lightness into the room. We can do deep work but there’s also room for humour and real-life grounding, whether it’s a laugh about a Seinfeld episode, debating if Ross and Rachel were really on a break, or finding parallels in The Office. Therapy can hold both the hard and the light, and I believe those moments of laughter are part of healing too. 

I offer in-person sessions in Calgary and secure virtual sessions across Alberta. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally sensitive, and faith-inclusive when requested. New clients are welcome to book a complimentary consultation through our online portal.