What a privilege to be a part of our students' educational and spiritual formation! It is also such a great joy to then go on to see what they accomplish as adults!

Today, we have a special feature to share with you highlighting Class of 2011 graduate and former MODG staff member, Claire Yanoschik. 

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Bio Details:

I am a registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in California. I went to Divine Mercy University and graduated in 2023, I completed their online program for a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My internship was at an intensive outpatient addiction treatment facility in Oxnard. Now I counsel students at Thomas Aquinas College and also have online clients through a Catholic private practice!

What do you offer your patients?

Therapy is accompaniment. We are meant to live in relationship with others, and the support of other people is especially important when we suffer. I offer clients tools and therapeutic techniques I have learned, as well as the consistency and accountability of weekly meetings to support them in their healing process. Some of the models of therapy that I use are Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, and Polyvagal theory.

How does your Catholic faith play a role in your position as therapist?

I remember hearing once that as Catholics we have the “cheat codes” for this profession. The Bible, Church teachings, and the lives of the saints are a wealth of knowledge on understanding human nature and what it means to flourish while suffering. When I am thinking through client cases, I often consider the virtues the client shows and ones he or she might want to work on cultivating next. During appointments, I try to emphasize the signs of hope that I see. Neuroplasticity confirms the Catholic perspective that we are not inevitably stuck in states of sin or dysfunction; we can have hope!

What led you to become a therapist and what do you love about it?

This vocation has been a surprise, but I have found it rewarding. I wanted to be a nurse for a long time, but after I graduated from Thomas Aquinas College, when it came time to sign up for the prerequisite nursing classes I just was not feeling excited about it. So I took time to pray about what to do next, and after a few months I started to look into Divine Mercy University. As I took steps to interview and enroll, the doors kept opening and I became very excited for the work.

Walking with clients who are suffering takes patience and humility, but it is also a privilege. I have found working one-on-one with clients to be a very meaningful experience. It is inspiring to see the vulnerability and courage of my clients, and to play a part in helping them make changes, which often ripple outward to their families.

Where can we find more information or schedule an appointment with you? 

You can find me on the catholictherapists.com directory website where you can learn more about my approach and the models of therapy I use. I also have a bio on the website for the Catholic private practice I work for (adamcrossmft.com), and you can find articles I have written there as well. Feel free to reach out to me at claire.yanoschik@protonmail.com or you can text or call me at 805-419-3631. I would love to hear from you!

(Claire's therapy services are only available for CA residents at this time)