Claudia Gracias (she/her)

Psychotherapy Intern

Greetings, I'm Claudia. In this quiet unfolding moment, I want to acknowledge the courage and effort it takes to explore therapy and move toward well-being. Whether you are searching for a therapist for yourself or a child in your life, I would be honoured to provide a safe, empathetic space where your stories are gently held and nurtured with care. Wherever you are in your journey, I will walk with you as a compassionate ally, inviting you to imagine, discover, and create new ways of knowing, being, and moving forward. Together, we will cultivate holistic well-being, mind-body-nervous system-spirit, where the mind uncovers meaning, the body finds its voice, the nervous system feels safe, and the spirit reclaims joy.

It is a privilege to be a part of the New Moon Counselling team as a Psychotherapy Intern while I complete my Master's degree in Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University. I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Guelph, and diplomas in Early Childhood Education from both Conestoga and Humber College. I am also a Certified Yoga Teacher (CTY-200).

Because healing can be messy, my practice is trauma-responsive, grounded in a biopsychosocial framework, and informed by polyvagal theory. Healing can also be gentle, inspired, and joyful; I create space for every experience to unfold. I bring a lived understanding of the barriers involved in asking for help, being vulnerable, trusting others, and meeting those tender places within us that carry shadows of pain and fear. I embrace a person-centred, relational approach to psychotherapy that prioritizes your perspective, experiences, strengths, and needs, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and openness. With a passion for working with children and a foundation in child development, I recognize that kiddos communicate through play and use toys as their words, and empower this authentic expression through play-informed therapy. Adopting a child-centred philosophy, I tune into and respond to each child's unique rhythms and ways of showing up, creating an environment that welcomes their full humanity.

In my free time, I nourish my spirit by cultivating my garden, enjoying creative movement and free play, wandering Ontario’s vast network of trails with my husky, Ozzy, and delighting in sunbeams with my 17-year-old cat, Kittles.

I welcome and encourage you to connect with me to explore ways we can work together.

Client Populations Seen: Children, Teens, & Adults