Clara McNamee

Clara McNamee is a PhD student in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto,  she is currently completing her practicum placement at Sageview Health. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from OISE and her honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Toronto. Her previous clinical practicums took place at the OISE Psychology clinic, where she conducted psychoeducational assessments and individual psychotherapy in adults with a variety of concerns including mood, anxiety, and emotional regulation. At Sageview health, Clara provides assessment and individual psychotherapy to adults with diverse needs.

As a therapist, Clara draws upon multiple modalities to best meet the individual needs of each client, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Clara’s specific areas of focus include depression, anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias), panic disorder, trauma, managing stress and other difficult emotions, and providing affirmative care to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are struggling with identity concerns or social stigma. Regardless of modality or concern, Clara prioritizes creating a safe and affirming environment for her clients, fostering collaboration with clients on their therapeutic goals and treatment plans, and creating a sense of empowerment in clients regarding their own healing.

Clara has received several distinctions, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship at the masters and doctoral levels, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Counsel Doctoral Fellowship. She has co-authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals. Her research explores how social factors intersect to impact mental health, particularly in bisexual, pansexual, and other plurisexual populations.