As part of the GoodTherapy Member Spotlight series, we spoke with Dr. Glenda Clarelicensed clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor based in Durham, North Carolina.
Dr. Clare brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work with individuals, families and groups. Specializing in family relationships, life transitions, grief and bereavement, and addiction counseling, she creates a warm, nonjudgmental partnership with her clients. Her philosophy is simple: “We all have problems” — and therapy is a safe place to work through them together. In this interview, Dr. Claire offers practical advice on starting treatment, finding the right treatment fit, and what makes a successful counseling relationship.
This series highlights therapists who are willing to give knowledge of treatment experience and share valuable perspectives on how to make mental health care more accessible and authentic. Read on to learn more about Dr. Clare.
LIVE INTERVIEW: Watch Chat with Dr. Glenda Clare
Q&A with Dr. Glenda Clare
Q: How about someone who has never been to therapy before and is curious about what happens in the first therapy session?
Dr. Clare:
When I think about the first session for someone starting therapy, I want them to know that therapy is a safe place. It’s a place where they can come, they can be themselves, they can share with someone who’s not going to judge them.
During this first session, we essentially set the parameters for what happens next. When I do my first session [with a client]generally I go over some things they need to know: the sessions are confidential; [and] I am there to listen and guide them. They need to know that this is essentially their therapy, so they also set some boundaries in terms of what they do and don’t want to discuss.
There are times when I can’t keep everything confidential — if you’re going to hurt yourself or if you’re going to hurt someone else. During these years, I will not be able to keep it confidential.
Q: How does therapy help if someone feels something is wrong but can’t quite put their finger on it?
Dr. Clare:
We’ve all had problems. There are times in all of our lives when things are not as we think they should be. During these times it is okay to enter therapy.
Therapy is a place where you will be safe. No one is going to share your business. No one is going to judge you. They’ll take that time with you to say, well, maybe there’s something to this, that we should look into. And you know what? This is good. Change happens when you first recognize that there is a need for change and then do something about it. Going to therapy is the first step to doing something about it.
Q: Why is it important for people to find therapists who understand them?
Dr. Clare:
Let’s be honest. Not everyone is your people. You don’t need to deal with people who have no idea about your situation, who you are, what you’re trying to do.
It’s ok for screen therapists. I have 15 minute consultation sessions so people can see, to click or not to click?
It is important that you do this. And even after those 15 minutes, let’s say you’ve been seeing someone for a few weeks and you’re still not sure they’ll get it, then you can switch.
However, don’t decide you don’t like someone because they challenge you. This is part of the treatment. They should challenge you to step out of your comfort zone.
We have what is called a therapeutic alliance. It is a relationship between the client and the therapist. During these first consultation sessions, you interview them and they interview you. You interview them to see if you think you click with each other. The healer will also do his dance, is this an issue I feel I can help the customer with?
Q: What is your therapeutic approach and what is different about the way you work with clients?
Dr. Clare:
My philosophy is that we all have problems. We need to understand what you need and provide the resources you need to improve your wellness, not mine.
So this is a collaboration. There might be some directions that I think might be good to go in and you might have second thoughts. It’s about you and me working with you to give you what you need to get better.
Q: In your experience, what are the signs of a good client-therapist match?
Dr. Clare:
I have learned that feelings are key. When I get along with a client, there are days when we cry together. There are days when we laugh together. So we can have a combination of both of those things.
The bottom line is that you get it, that you have AHA moments, that you know that you just feel safe with this person.
Finding your path to wellness
The approach of Dr. Glenda Clare’s therapy embodies the core values of GoodTherapy: creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where clients can explore their challenges and work for meaningful change. Whether you are navigating family relationships, life transitions, afflictionor addiction recovery, Therapy offers a partnership where your voice matters and your well-being is the priority.
Are you ready to begin your healing journey? Explore the GoodTherapy catalog to find licensed therapists and counselors who specialize in the areas that matter most to you. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or just feel like something isn’t right, compassionate, skilled mental health professionals are here to help you find clarity and move forward.
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Learn more about Dr. Glenda Clare and her practice GoodTherapy Profile.
The previous article was written exclusively by the author listed above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the previous article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.
