Hello! I’m Claire (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Bend, Oregon. I became a therapist because I love creating a space that facilitates connection with our innate wisdom and brings clarity to difficult situations. With respect, curiosity and non-judgment, I invite clients to tune into their inner compasses, identify and move toward values, and build the resiliency necessary to navigate our complicated world. I offer tools to be with the continuum of feelings and sensations that are often disallowed in daily life in order to heal body, mind and spirit. I believe it is within an authentic and meaningful relationship with our whole selves — while being supported and witnessed in a therapeutic relationship — that lasting change can take place.
My own journey in healing relationships began when my dad died in my early teens. I was welcomed into a grief support community of teen peers and adult facilitators who accepted my unique process as “just right for me” and did not try to change it or “fix” my pain. It was profound for me to feel such a deep trust with others, who did not shy away from my tears. They empowered me to speak my truth and encouraged me to trust myself above all.
I’ve now had the privilege of returning the gift of unconditional presence to other bereaved children, adults and Spanish-speaking families by facilitating grief support groups for over 10 years (Courageous Kids in Eugene & Dougy Center in Portland), and writing the Slumberkins Grief and Loss curriculum for educators to support their grieving students within the school setting. Apart from working as a mental health counselor in clinical and school-based settings since 2013, I am an Adjunct Professor in OSU Cascades’ Master of Counseling program and contribute content as a consultant at Slumberkins.
I completed my Master of Science in Marital, Couple and Family Therapy at Portland State University in 2015 and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon (#C4761). My approach to counseling is strengths-based and collaborative. I offer English and Spanish-language counseling, and specialize in perinatal mental health, trauma & attachment issues, grief & loss, anxiety and life transitions. I spent time prior to becoming a counselor working for non-profits and teaching English in Ecuador, Spain and Thailand, and have worked as a teacher in early childhood education settings in Portland.
When not working, I enjoy camping and exploring the outdoors with my husband & two children, sharing meals and music with friends, and creating artwork.
To schedule a free phone consultation, please call 541-255-9129 or email ClaireLaPomaCounseling@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!
Inner Compass Counseling 