Clara Brand, MSSW, LCSW, LICSW
Psychotherapist
When people first come to see me, they’re often feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or shut-down. Many of them have tried breaking patterns that no longer serve them, but can’t seem to do it on their own. If this sounds like you: you're in the right place. Oftentimes, old patterns and residual feelings are connected to events and experiences we haven’t yet fully processed. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental place for you to do this processing.
I offer individual counseling to adults 18+ and most often support people with concerns about disordered eating/chronic dieting, negative body image, stress around life transitions, and challenging family dynamics. I’m a non-diet therapist and my work is aligned with Health At Every Size (HAES), intuitive eating, and body trust principles.
As a person and therapist, I value humor, warmth, and transparency. I’m a relational therapist, which means I bring my full, authentic self to our sessions. I won’t spend our sessions just nodding my head and taking notes, I will roll up my sleeves and join you in your healing process. I believe in the healing power of relationships and view therapy as a space to make sense of your life experiences in the presence of someone who fully understands you.
My clients describe me as intuitive and directive. I'll sit with you as you explore your feelings and experiences, and ask questions meant to deepen your self-understanding. I’m here to offer genuine care, interest, and patience as we work together to guide you toward living as your most grounded and authentic self. I’m often a good fit for clients who are new to therapy or have had trouble feeling an authentic connection with previous therapists.
I take a social justice-oriented, anti-oppressive approach to therapy, and my priority is to provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care. I am welcoming and affirming of all intersections of race, ethnicity, size, ability, faith, sexuality, and gender identity and expression.
Areas of Focus
Eating Disorders
Body Image Concerns
Life Transitions
Family-Based Trauma
Difficult Family Relationships
Stress
Anxiety
Perfectionism
Relationship concerns
LGBTQIA+ identity exploration
College experiences
Boundary-setting
Fees
My rate is $150 for a 50-minute individual therapy session.
Ensuring the accessibility of my services is important to me. I realize my session rate might not be feasible for some and offer a limited number of reduced-rate slots. If you’re interested in working with me but have concerns about affording my session rate, please reach out to inquire about my reduced rate.
Please note: At this time, my reduced-rate slots are full.
Insurance
I accept Premera, LifeWise, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans, with the exception of BCBS Regence plans.
For alI other insurance plans, including Regence, I am considered an out-of-network (OON) provider and can provide a superbill for you to submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. To confirm your out-of-network mental health benefits, you can call your insurance company’s member services line (usually a 1-800 phone number found on the back of your insurance card).
Location
I have both in-person and telehealth availability. In-person therapy sessions take place at my Bellevue office location: 1380 112th Ave NE, Suite 101 Bellevue, WA 98004
Scheduling Information
I currently have daytime availability Monday through Thursday. Please reach out at clara@clarabrandtherapy.com to schedule a free 20-minute consultation, or visit my website (clarabrandtherapy.com) for more information.
“Therapy is about building new associations, making new, healthier default pathways. It is almost as if therapy is taking your two-lane dirt road and building a four-lane freeway alongside it. The old road stays, but you don’t use it much anymore.”