- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- CBT and ACT techniques
- Attachment-based work
About Clare
Clare O'Toole is an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) practicing in California with 20 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, relationship and family difficulties, ADHD, and career or life transitions. Clare helps people who feel stuck in patterns, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next.
Her approach centers on exploring emotions and attachment patterns that shape how people relate to themselves and others. She uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) alongside methods drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and client-centered work. Sessions focus on naming difficult feelings, noticing repeated interaction patterns, and trying new ways of responding.
Clare describes therapy as a collaborative process. She listens for the personal story behind symptoms like anger, shame, or impulsivity and works with each person to set practical steps forward. Conversations often include skills for coping, strategies to manage anxiety, and ways to rebuild trust after hurt.
She also addresses issues such as abandonment, commitment worries, communication problems, infidelity, caregiver stress, and isolation. Practical goals may include improved emotional regulation, clearer decision-making, or better communication habits.
Clare offers sessions in English and practices in California. Costs vary by location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on identifying and naming emotions that drive interaction patterns. In sessions this can help people recognize how feelings like fear or shame shape their choices and relationships.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and choosing actions that line up with personal values. This approach is useful for managing anxiety, stress, or decisions about work and relationships.
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at early and current relationship patterns to understand how people connect or pull away from others. It can be helpful for issues such as abandonment, commitment worries, and repeated communication problems.
Choosing an approach is part of the work. Clare will help clients figure out which methods fit their situation, goals, and preferences, and will adjust the mix over time through conversation and practical exercises.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm the current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Therapists can use a mix of conversation, guided exercises, and between-session practices to keep progress moving forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family difficulties, ADHD, self-esteem, career changes, and related concerns such as abandonment and communication problems.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is collaborative and client-centered, focusing on emotions and attachment patterns while using practical techniques from CBT and ACT.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience working with adults on a wide range of emotional and relational concerns.
What are her professional credentials and location?
She is an LMFT licensed in California and practices in that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what does cost look like?
Costs vary with location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; specific rates depend on where the client is located.
How do I begin a first session?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule your first session.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.