Biography

Claire Von Karls Claire Von Karls is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with individuals, couples and groups for over 40 years, in both public and private mental health settings. She is also a trained Shamanic Practitioner, and Intuitive Wisdom Teacher. Her primary goal is to help people live more satisfying and joyful lives. Claire believes helping clients to cope more effectively with everyday problems, as well as helping them recognize and use their own emotional and spiritual resources, are essential elements in fulfilling this goal.

In addition to traditional counseling and psychotherapy, Claire employs experiential practices, such as Dreamwork, guided imagery, dancing, drumming, and symbolic ritual. As a Shamanic Practitioner, she uses these experiences, along with her expertise in intuitive wisdom and ancient healing techniques to further the healing process.

Claire graduated with a BA degree in Sociology from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), in 1968, and then received her Masters in Social Work degree from Catholic University, in 1979. She specialized in learning clinical skills to affect positive change in individuals and groups, particularly around personal, professional, and interpersonal problems.

Claire began her career in Mental Health services in 1968, working as counselor and public advocate in a variety of psychiatric settings. From 1973 to 1979, she worked in a community mental health center, coordinating initial client evaluations, treatment programs, and community consultation. In 1979 she co-founded and co-directed the Arnold-Severn Center, a private community mental health center in Annapolis, Maryland that provides a full range of services to adults, adolescents, children, and families. Collaboration with other professionals, and community involvement, are important facets of the Center's approach to treatment. Claire continued to supervise counselors, consult with clients, and coordinate several programs at that Center until 2013.

Claire established the Riverside Counseling Center in Littleton, New Hampshire, in 2002. In this venture, Claire continues her commitment to wellness and prevention, and to provide a holistic approach to dealing with life issues. In addition, the Center afforded her the opportunity to expand her services to include longer and larger retreats and experiential programs, and more community focused consultation. After many years of workshops, retreats, and group consultation, Claire decided to embark on a new adventure. She closed her offices in Littleton in 2012. Since then she has focused more on presenting programs and workshops around the USA, and to offer a broader range of Dreamwork consultation! In conjunction with Fred Von Karls, and Nora Clark, she is also devoting more time to Dreamtime Destinations -- a travel program with a spiritual focus!

Claire now works out of her office in Sugar Hill NH, and continues to accept referrals for individual, couples, and family counseling. In addition to her travel schedule, she will present some workshops locally. Her workshop topics range from specific personal empowerment skills to creative programs of self-discovery and intuitive wisdom.

Claire speaks publicly at Women's Wellness conferences, and local organizations. She has published articles in newspapers, and poetry in the New England Writers Anthology. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. In 2004, Claire joined the International Shamanic Teachers Alliance of Shamanic Teachers Alliance. She is also a founding member of the Society of Shamanic Practitioners. She has served on the Board of Directors of WREN, Neskaya, and the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire. Her community service also includes volunteer work for Hospice and area schools.

Claire is in private practice in Sugar Hill, NH. She can be reached at 603-823-5566, or by email at cvonkarls1@gmail.com. Claire invites you to learn more about the services and experiences she offers by exploring this website!


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