Claire Currado, M.S., MFT-LP
1. One of my favorite childhood memories is . . .
I loved taking my dog on walks all over the woods where I lived in southern Maine. We had all kinds of adventures!
2. I love being a marriage and family therapist because . . .
I’ve had the privilege of hearing so many family stories. I feel that my worldview has expanded so much and I’m always learning new things from my clients. I love finding out how someone’s experiences have shaped who they are and who they want to become. I have the best job in the world!
3. A life lesson I’ve learned from my clients is . . .
The best (and only) way forward sometimes is just to focus on “the thing in front of you,” or whatever small step you can take towards your goal.
4. Three words that describe my therapy style are . . .
Collaborative, systemic, and engaged.
5. When I’m not in therapy sessions, you’ll find me . . .
usually I’m on my porch, playing with my cats, or being bothered by my husband!
6. Three people who inspire me are . . .
My husband, one of my first supervisors, and Michael Desalvo!
7. A quote that I live by is . . .
“As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has – or ever will have – something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” – Mr. Rogers
8. One thing guaranteed to push me out of my comfort zone is . . .
anything related to spiders or mascot costumes.
9. My best self-care technique is . . .
I journal it out!
10. This is how I found therapy and how therapy found me . . .
I met some incredibly inspiring teachers during my undergraduate studies that taught me the value and power of systemic therapy. I finally worked up the courage to go to therapy myself at the same time, where I learned how to be brave enough to put words to my experiences. I experienced for myself how therapy can transform the way you see yourself and others.
11. One thing I could not live without is . . .
Cats or unsweetened iced tea!
12. If I were to tell a friend about marriage and family therapy, I would say . . .
My friends are all sick of me talking about therapy! Good therapy gives you the gift of experiencing a relationship with unconditional positive regard. Something so many people do not experience in their day-to-day lives. A safe emotional environment allows us to engage in the vulnerable and terrifying process of being seen, increasing understanding of ourselves, and finding peace. In my humble opinion. 🙂
13. The approaches I draw from in my therapy practice are . . .
I use an eclectic approach inspired by a variety of theories, including internal family systems (IFS) theory, Functional Family Therapy (FFT), narrative and play therapies, systems theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
14. Clients that challenge me the most have this in common . . .
Sometimes clients come into therapy hoping for a quick fix, and are skeptical that there are more than the surface factors at play. In my experience, it rarely is that easy, and it takes some time to unpack the layers maintaining a problematic behavior or dynamic. Our problems usually take time to develop and they take time to fix!
*This provider is not directly affiliated with the CNY Mental Health Counseling Team but we value our partnership with her and are grateful to have the opportunity to refer you to her.