Claire Harstine believes that healing begins with trust and a sense of connection. She works to create a space where clients—especially children, teens, and young adults—feel supported, seen, and safe enough to explore what’s holding them back. Claire approaches counseling as a collaborative process. Her style is warm, approachable, and deeply grounded in a belief that even the smallest steps forward matter.
Claire’s background in education provides her with a unique perspective when working with children and adolescents. She understands how developmental needs shape emotional health and brings a strong sense of patience and creativity to her sessions. Whether she’s helping a young child navigate anxiety through play or guiding a teenager through struggles with self-worth, Claire adapts her work to meet each client where they are.
Her approach blends structure and flexibility, drawing on techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, art and play therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based counseling. Claire works with individuals facing anxiety, perfectionism, spiritual or life transitions, grief, and relational challenges—and she does so with a gentle curiosity that encourages honest exploration and self-compassion.
Clients often describe Claire as calming, thoughtful, and encouraging. She brings authenticity to her work and supports her clients in developing the tools and confidence they need to take meaningful steps toward growth and personal development.
Services Offered
At Foundations Counseling, Claire works with children, teens, and adults seeking support through:
- Individual Counseling
- Child & Adolescent Therapy
- Academic and Social Stress Support
- Emotional Wellness and Self-Esteem
- Life Transitions and Grief
- Creative and Expressive Therapies
Professional Background
Claire holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Purdue University and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She serves as a clinical counseling intern under the supervision of a professional.
Before counseling, Claire spent seven years teaching elementary and preschool-aged children. In the classroom, she worked closely with families to support students holistically—an approach she continues in her counseling work. Claire has experience with children navigating anxiety, attachment issues, and learning differences, and she integrates developmentally appropriate interventions into her sessions.
Her therapeutic approach draws from:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Child Play Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Strengths-Based Counseling
- Mindfulness and Nature-Based Therapies
Outside the therapy room, Claire enjoys running, painting, cooking, and spending time with her friends, family, and her two pets—Tuesday the dog and Chef the cat. She brings the same warmth, creativity, and curiosity she lives by into every session.
Claire is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Claire’s Specialties
Individual Counseling
- Anxiety & Depression
- Mindfulness & Art Therapy
- Women’s Issues
- Body Image & Self-Esteem
- Christian Counseling
- Online Therapy
Child & Teen Counseling
- Academic Stress & Performance Anxiety
- Separation Anxiety
- ADD/ADHD
- Attachment & Emotional Regulation
- Eating Disorders & Body Image
- Creative Expression (Art, Nature, Play)
- Family Communication
- Social Anxiety & “Facebook Depression”
- Christian Counseling
- Online Therapy for Teens
Start Your Journey with Claire Harstine
Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, you’re working through a personal transition, or your teen needs a safe place to process, Claire is here to help. Her approach is thoughtful, kind, and deeply supportive, centered on building trust and assisting clients to move forward at their own pace. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Together, you’ll take the next step.
Book Your Free Consultation
