Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Christina
Christina McClarren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. Christina is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families grow beyond current challenges. She specializes in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief, chronic/serious mental health issues, communication, and managing life stressors.
Christina completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in a variety of settings including corrections systems, school systems, and outpatient settings. Christina utilizes a variety of treatment approaches including expressive art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and play therapy.
Christina values the importance of the therapeutic relationship and ensures that the treatment process is a mutual collaboration. She is confident that she will be able to support you on your journey to help you achieve your goals and learn the skills to manage whatever life may throw at you. If you are ready to begin the therapy process, schedule an appointment with Christina today.
"As someone who has dealt with anxiety and depression and many significant losses, I understand the complexities of managing mental health."
Get to know Christina
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
Deciding to become a therapist was a journey for myself. In the end, I wanted to be someone that people could seek support from, learn positive ways of coping with mood fluctuations and/or life stressors. Most importantly, I wanted to be that person that could help improve another person's life.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I do my best work with children and adolescents, along with adults with serious/chronic mental health, personality disorders, and ADHD.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
It's rare to find someone who is excited about working with someone with personality disorders, including Borderline Personality disorder, and that person is me. I thoroughly enjoy the complexities of personality disorders.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I wish clients knew that the therapy process is just that- a process. It takes time to see real growth and change. These problems/stressors that you encounter did not occur overnight, therefore, you cannot expect them to improve overnight.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
Thriveworks gives me the ability to focus on client engagement and work with populations that are important to me.
What inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is the desire to do better and make a difference. Whether that is with those that I work with, or behind the scenes with improving policies, so that everyone has a better future.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
I thoroughly think that the most important aspect of the therapy process is building a good therapeutic alliance. That is what can be expected the first session. I want to ensure that we will be a good fit to begin your therapy journey. We will focus on getting to know one another, goals for treatment, and what you need from a therapist to make your journey successful.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
I hope by the end of the first session, we have outlined your goals and expectations for treatment. I also hope by the end of the first session, you feel confident that I am the right therapist for you, and that we can work collaboratively to achieve your goals.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
One thing I pride myself on is being accountable and open minded. We are all human and make mistakes, and if a mistake is made on my part, I have no problem owning up to that. I am also open to client suggestions and feedback as I feel that is the only way the therapy journey will be successful.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I love anything creative such as painting, knitting, and trying different DIY projects. I spend time with my cats, and try to be as active as I can outside.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
My curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Since a young age, I have been asking questions and wanting to know all that I can know.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 8 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Pittsburgh
- Graduating degree
- Masters in Social Work
Additional details
Practice information
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