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Clare O'Toole

Clare O'Toole, LMFT

Therapist in California

Compassionate therapist focused on practical change

Continue with Clare

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

20 years of experience listed

LMFT professional credentials

English languages

  • Self esteem support
  • Collaborative approach
  • 20 years experience

About Clare

Clare O'Toole is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. She helps people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about what comes next. Clare focuses on self esteem alongside stress, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions so clients can feel more grounded and in charge of choices.

Clare uses a collaborative and nonjudgmental style in sessions. She listens for each person's story and works with them to identify patterns that keep them stuck. Conversations aim to slow things down, build awareness, and find practical steps that fit everyday life.

Her background spans 20 years of clinical work and study. Clare draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and client-centered methods to tailor the process to each person. She combines skills from these approaches rather than relying on one fixed method.

Typical concerns she addresses include relationship struggles, career stress, compassion fatigue, ADHD-related challenges, grief after separation, and issues tied to guilt, shame, or abandonment. Sessions mix talking, skills practice, and reflection so clients can try new ways of responding between meetings.

People who want a steady, practical therapist who values connection may find Clare a good fit. To begin, follow the site steps to match and schedule a session that works with your life and goals.

Approaches that guide online work and practical change

Clare draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy to help people build steadier lives. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes noticing unhelpful thoughts and choosing actions that match your values; it can help when worry or avoidance limits daily life. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early connection patterns shape relationships and emotions, helping people change long-standing ways of relating and feel safer in close connections.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Clare will collaborate with each person to test methods, adjust what isn’t helping, and pick exercises that match goals and preferences. Clients and therapist review progress together and shift focus as needed.

If you are considering online sessions, please confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also lets clients try therapeutic exercises and check-ins from wherever they are, which can help practice new skills in real life. Licensed professionals can discuss which approach and session rhythm will best support your priorities during the first meeting.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Clare help with?

She works with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career concerns, relationship and family problems, anger, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapy style like?

Her style is collaborative and nonjudgmental. Sessions focus on listening to your story, practicing new skills, and finding practical steps that fit daily life.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Clare brings 20 years of experience working with adults in clinical settings and independent practice.

What credentials and region apply to her practice?

She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people from other countries work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees and billing handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Clare?

Select the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Clare O'TooleContinue with Clare