“Healing is an art. It takes time. It takes practice. It takes love.”
- Maza Dohta
Clare Wheeler, MA, LMHC, ATR-P
Hello! I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m a Mental Health Counselor and Art Therapist with a private practice in Bellingham, Washington.
In my free time, you can find me working with clay in my home ceramics studio, enjoying nature with my partner, our dog and friends, or getting cozy inside with a good book and our two kitties.
My philosophy
We all deserve to feel at home and safe in our bodies and minds, and it’s my passion to help others find this place. I believe it’s the relationship between my clients and I that is most effective for healing, so it’s important that we’re a good fit. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and am passionate about creating a safe, non-judgemental environment where you feel supported and accepted as you are.
I am a strong believer that large-scale societal forces that surround us, including oppression, affect us greatly; I view clients as individuals while recognizing the larger systems we are all a part of.
I look forward to joining you on your journey!
Services
“Art can permeate the very deepest part of us, where no words exist.”
— Eileen Miller
Art Therapy
The latest trauma research reveals that our core memories live where words can’t access, which means talking about our problems isn’t always effective in creating change. Luckily, neuroscience is now proving what some of us have known all along: art heals! My lifelong passion for art has led me to Art Therapy, which is a service I offer for clients of all ages - no art experience necessary.
Individual Psychotherapy
I work with ages 13 and older to heal past wounds and foster self-love. My passion lies in working with issues of identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and body image and food issues.
“A whole life can be shaped by an old trauma, remembered or not.”
— Lenore Terr
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, more commonly known as EMDR, is proven to reprogram our core memories that dictate our actions, thoughts and feelings each day. EMDR is a trauma-informed treatment involving eye movements while mentally recalling difficult events. I may integrate EMDR into sessions after a trusting relationship has been established between the client and myself.
EMDR
Appointments are 50 minutes at the rate of $150 per session. I do not accept insurance at this time, but can provide you with a “Superbill” to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
“Listen-are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?”
— Mary Oliver
Call or text to schedule a free 15-minute consultation
(360) 218-7190
Crisis Supports
In an emergency call 911
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1 (800) 273-8255 (TALK)
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
Call or text 988
The Trevor Project:
Suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth: 1 (866) 488-7386 or text "Trevor" to 1 (202) 304-1200