Clark Pinson, PhD

I specialize in trauma recovery. My initial priority is for my clients to feel seen and heard. I’ve undergone therapy and know how important this is. I’m frequently told by clients that my listening skills come across as patient, empathic, caring, and non-judgmental. My approach creates a sense of safety. I also prioritize empowering my clients to use their voice and collaborate with me. I believe that making every effort to understand my clients results in the best and most efficient outcome. It is my hope that my clients improve to the point where I’m no longer needed.

In addition to trauma recovery, I treat conditions that are often directly or indirectly related to trauma (i.e., stress management, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, disordered eating, addiction, chronic illness). I also have experience treating difficulty with adjustment to life transitions (e.g., helping high school students prepare for common mental health challenges of college), academic/career challenges, relationship/communication problems, and identity formation/concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including an army base, community mental health center, child advocacy and rape crisis center, two university counseling centers, and private practice.

I work with people who struggle with their sense of safety, self-esteem, power/control, trust, and/or relationships. I integrate different therapeutic approaches to tailor treatment for each client. Treatment goals help me do this. If you struggle with setting goal(s), I will help you do so in a collaborative manner. I will also calibrate my approach based on your feedback regarding what (and what doesn't) work. We will track progress together.

I work with individuals, couples, and families because there are many faces of trauma. Different people require different approaches to healing. Sometimes the impact of catastrophic events is obvious but at other times the consequences are subtle. However, one common principle is that present day symptoms or struggles often originate as adaptations to traumatic experience(s). It is outside the context of the trauma that these adaptations become maladaptive. This is part of what makes the consequences of trauma seem automatic and resistant to change. One of the first steps is acknowledging that strength is knowing when to take the risk of vulnerability and accept help.

If you are exhausted from being the strong one, you don’t have to do it alone anymore. Reach out today to schedule some time to talk. Let’s explore what it is like to let your guard down at a comfortable pace.

I’m out-of-network for health insurance. Many plans will reimburse 50-80% of my fees. You can get an estimate based on your health insurance plan by going to the “Fees and Forms” page of my website and entering your information into the “Use Your Insurance” icon.