Christy Ann Clark
Graduate Student Counseling Fellow
she/her
People seek me out when…
They begin deconstructing who they were taught to be and are ready to explore who they are becoming, with support that honors both the psychological and the spiritual layers of that journey.
I’m particularly skilled at helping clients…
Identify and unlearn inherited narratives and beliefs that have kept them from living their highest purpose.
The core belief that drives my practice is…
That we are all the universe experiencing itself subjectively, waking up to our destiny as co-creators of reality on every level.
I am at my best when working with clients that…
Are navigating spiritual shifts, systemic disillusionment, or existential inquiry, and want to integrate these experiences with clarity and care.
Highlights
APPROACH & FRAMEWORK
🌌 Existential & Humanistic Approaches — I support clients in exploring questions of meaning, freedom, and authenticity, accompanying them on their journey toward more aligned and fulfilling lives.
🤝 Relational-Cultural & Liberation-Informed Practice — I emphasize healing through connection, collective empathy, and empowerment, while acknowledging the impact of systemic oppression and fostering liberty within relationships and communities.
💓 Heart–Mind–Body–Spirit Coherence Work — I help clients cultivate an inner alignment (“coherence”) across emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual domains, promoting interpersonal and intrapersonal harmonization, resilience, and relieve mental and emotional pressure.
🌠 Transpersonal & Integral (AQAL) Frameworks — Drawing on highly detailed integrative models that honor spiritual growth, archetypal wisdom, and multidimensional human experience, I support clients in expanding their awareness and exploration of energetic space, both outer and inner.
🧘 Contemplative & Self-Awareness Practices — Through a blending of Western Medicine and Eastern Buddhist beliefs, mindfulness, reflection, and contemplative techniques help guide clients in developing presence, clarity, and compassionate self-understanding in daily life.
From my perspective mental health is like being a tree inside of a forest. We are born as a tiny little baby tree with our whole life ahead of us. As we grow we begin sprouting branches but if those branches are not protected and nurtured properly, they may begin to overgrow and become unmanageable or may not grow at all. Adverse experiences such as stress, trauma, neglect, abuse, or genetic/family predispositions (particularly in childhood but can occur at any point) can make those branches twist, split, break, or even turn inward on the tree itself, internalizing these experiences. The more these wounded branches grow without support and guidance the heavier they become, keeping the tree from becoming its best tree self.
With that being said, the environment in which our tree grows also impacts how it develops. Our collective environment that we call ‘modern day society’ is like having an infinite number of different layers of context (culture, socioeconomic status, family structure, gender/sexual orientation, etc.) that our roots have to dig into in order ground down and stabilize itself to the best of its ability. These layers are not created equally where some layers are light and fluffy while others feel like concrete that keeps being bullied by the fluffy layer.
Our society has developed in such a way that if you win the tree-lottery by being born into lots of nutrients and strong layers you have more access to better soil and opportunities to grow. If our trees are planted into rough or shallow soil, we may struggle to grow tall and strong, and then all of our energy, talents, and skills are just focused on surviving.
Unfortunately, the soil we are all planted into right now was designed to only nourish a few specific trees, and those trees are always finding ways to take the nutrients, water, and sunlight from the rest of us. Because of this unhealthy and unfair system we find ourselves in, I believe that in one way or another mental health struggles are symptoms of living in a system not only not meant to support us, but is actively suppressing us.
That reality functions much like a ride. In the words of the late great Bill Hicks, “All matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves.” What we believe to be reality is like a ride at an amusement park built by the creative force of consciousness to be experienced by individualized ego-based consciousness.
It’s fast, loud, emotional, and brightly colored, and our minds are so powerful that while we’re here, we forget that it is just a ride. A ride made of vibration and perception where we navigate systems of power, identity, and illusion in an effort to raise our own consciousness and wake up from our dream state. Based on this notion I believe that our suffering comes from forgetting who we are beneath all the conditioning, fear, and narratives taught to us over the course of this ride; both individually and as a collective.
With that in mind, I believe therapy is a process of remembering: choosing love over fear, clarity over distortion, and discernment over bypassing. My work supports clients that have become disillusioned with the perceived state of society, those questioning inherited scripts and beliefs, those deconstructing oppression-based patterns, and those reorienting toward a higher self, rooted in awareness and reclaimed agency.
In sessions, my moment-to-moment attention involves deep listening across four levels: the personal, the relational, the systemic, and the existential. I attune to what’s arising within you individually, how it moves between us and within your relationships, how it reflects broader patterns or cultural contexts shaping your experience, and how we can best support your journey back to yourself.
I stay present and intentional while tracking themes, repetitions, and symbolic threads—holding space for both immediate resonance and long-range integration. While I may notice things to revisit later, I prioritize following your lead in the moment, offering reflections that support clarity, coherence, and growth.
I begin sessions with intentional grounding and somatic/body scan intended to bring both of our presence into…well, the present. We then begin to recap on our last sessions followed by a check-in on how you are feeling. I follow your lead with gentle guidance, questioning, and direction when needed in order for us to collaboratively build a framework meant to set you up for success on the way to meeting your goals.
Top Approaches
- Radical Relationality
- Integral Theory
- Transpersonal Theory
- Logotherapy
- Contemplative Therapy
- Attachment Theory
- Isochronic Tones, Binaural Beats & Brainwave Entrainment
- Polyvagal Theory
- Group Therapy
- Trans-Theoretical Model
- Somatically-Informed
- Ancestral and Intergenerational Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Existentialist Philosophy & Therapy
- Absurdism
- Postmodernism
- Gnosticism
- Kabbalah
- Anarcho-primitivism
- Jewish Anarchism
- Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
- Feminist & Multicultural Therapy
- Schema-Focused Therapy
- Narrative & Strengths-Based Therapies
- Human Design
- Myers Briggs Personality Theory
- Green Magick & Celtic Paganism
- Ecopsychology
- Earth-Based Spirituality
- Internal Family Systems
- Divination and Tarot
- Jungian and Archetypal
- Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Multicultural Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Critical Consciousness
- Christ Consciousness & Collective Awakening
- Heart-Brain Coherence (Heartmath Institute)
AREAS OF CARE
My goal for our work is to transform layers of confusion into clarity, survival-mode to embodied presence, and self-blame to self-understanding. As we explore your inner world, relational patterns, conditioning, and spiritual frameworks, we will work toward a felt sense of “coming home” to yourself. Over time, your nervous system will begin to steady, your voice strengthens, and your relationships shift in alignment with who you are becoming. Transformation becomes something that moves through you; reshaping how you show up in the world and how the world responds to you.
My practice is grounded in a highly integrative framework that approaches healing from a biopsychosocial-spiritual, whole-person orientation. I work through a multi-dimensional lens that considers the body, mind, relational patterns, systemic forces, and the spiritual or “collective consciousness” layers that shape our experience. Together, these dimensions create a kind of three-dimensional map of selfhood, helping clients understand their inner world within a broader context.
From this foundation, I am developing an emerging model called Social Spirit Re-Integration (SSRI), which articulates how personal healing (“Frequency”), relational dynamics (“Resonance”), and collective systems (“Coherence”) intersect. SSRI integrates trauma-informed care, consciousness studies, somatic awareness, and identity deconditioning to support clients in reclaiming their voice, reconnecting with their inner truth, and strengthening their sense of agency.
While I pride myself on meeting people exactly where they are, I also have my personal and professional callings. If you’ve explored the rest of my profile, you’ve likely noticed some themes: I’m deeply drawn to work at the places where mental health, spirituality/consciousness, relationships, and systems of power all intersect.
I’m particularly drawn to clients who feel out of alignment with the world as it is. Whether because of existential, political, or climate anxiety; healing from narcissistic abuse or religious trauma; or the kind of deep internal shift many people describe as a spiritual awakening. Essentially, if you’re questioning the systems around you or waking up to a new understanding of yourself, I got you!
Top Areas of Care
- Emotional Intelligence
- Heart-Brain Coherence
- Grown up “Gifted & Talented” kids
- Recovering High-Achievers
- Neurodivergence
- Performance Anxiety
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Social Anxiety
- Highly Sensitive Person
- Cultural and Systemic Oppression
- MBTI
- Human Design
- Enneagram
- Imposter Syndrome
- Climate Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood Disorders
- Mind-Body Connection
- Mind-Body-Spirit Coherence
- Perfectionism
- Adjustment Disorder
- Guilt/Shame
- Childhood Neglect
- Strengths-Based Approaches
- Self-awareness + Embodiment Integration
- Religious deconstruction
- Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
- Narcissistic Parents Recovery
- Political grief focused
- Higher-Self Attunement
- Psychospiritual + Embodiment
- Presence, Intentionality, & Consciousness Raising
- Empowerment + Affirmation Driven
- Archetypal & Symbolism Attuned
- Big-Picture & Systems Perspective
- Self-Actualization & Parts-work
- Intergenerational Trauma-Informed
Q & A
“What is it that you want, really want? Beneath what you think you’re supposed to want and behind what you might be afraid to want. Whether it is a small daily decision or an entire life direction, what is it that you really want if we only had this immediate moment, right now, because this moment is all we have. Luckily, we get an infinite amount of ‘right nows’.”
Sweet, insightful, reflective, and that I have a very unique personality and way of thinking.
While a reduction of symptoms is a great sign that progress is being made, I will really see progress through your ability to trust yourself and how often you choose self-compassion over self-abandonment. I will hear it in the stories you tell, the way you relate to others, and what these things say about who you know you are and what you deserve.
I am not interested in just offering coping strategies or treating symptoms, those things have their role, but I actively work with my client to reclaim their agency and personal power after years of relational, spiritual, and systemic suppression.
Though I tend to be a bit hyperintellectual, constantly reading and learning some new thing, the two things that really bring me back down to earth are being in the forest and punk rock concerts. These two places are where my spirit is at its best, I am the most excited, and I can just give in to the feeling of being a part of something so much bigger than myself.
That I believe therapy is sacred work. Not because I’m some authority or gatekeeper, but because healing is a process of re-membering: reconnecting with the self, the body, and something beyond the self that holds us. My work is informed by consciousness studies, energy work, and anti-authoritarian values which means I trust your inner authority more than any clinical manual.
BACKGROUND & IDENTITY
There is a sort of joke about therapists being asked how or why they got into this field, and almost all of us say something to the tune of, “Why else do you become a therapist other than to figure out what is wrong with you?!” 😅 I usually say something like, “Let’s just say I’ve been a lot of people in my life, and all of those people were pretty desperate to understand why I was the way I was.”
All jokes aside, I do not believe that there is anything “wrong” with anyone, in fact I am a true believer that sprinkled within the vast multitudes of every person is everything they need to meet every challenge. I mean this in a spiritual/energetic way as well as a metaphorical and hard science way as well (shout out to epigenetics).
My whole life I have always felt different from basically every other person I knew. I know now that this is a fairly common experience, but I realized at a very young age that I think differently than most people and that I needed to find a way to blend in. In kindergarten I remember everyday I would practice building these geometric flower patterns with small colored block shapes. One day another student accidentally stepped on the edge of my flower and gave me a really heartfelt apology, and I remember just thinking, “Wow, look how sad he is! He really feels bad; look at how deeply he means that apology. That is so interesting!!” And for years after that, any time I was home alone I would sneak into my family’s room to search for psychology and cultural concepts in their encyclopedias.
As I got older I began struggling with my own mental health which was complicated by intergenerational and inherited traumas, complex grief, and other idiosyncrasies that led me to feel really alone. I received treatment throughout my teens and 20s which helped to give me coping skills, and by that point I had already developed a relentless drive to understand humanity at both the micro and macro levels. I have spent what feels like my entire life digging deep into myself and others to paint a cohesive picture of the human spirit and all of our systems. So, while I have spent a lot of time in the deep end with theory and symbolism, I like to think that I have dedicated just as much energy to being a safe and welcoming presence for those on my path.
In conclusion, I became a therapist because of how deeply I needed answers and comfort and how honored I am to help others find the same.
The therapeutic relationship for me is an opportunity for insight, reflection, and growth on both ends. I am in awe of the human experience, and I take it as a real honor that I am trusted with some of the most intimate parts of a client’s life. I take none of it for granted. I hope that therapy with me feels comforting, energetically spacious, and a little exciting, where anything can happen! In one session we might just talk about your pets and what you’re looking forward to this week, maybe trace back to where an unhelpful belief came from, or maybe we’ll keep it light and question the very systems that shaped your self-image; you know, therapy stuff 😊.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is meant to be flexible, real, and honest, built on a trust that I don’t just expect to be given to me. I intend to work every session on earning your faith in me and our therapeutic alliance. I don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach, and I like to think of myself as someone you can bring everything to: the things that keep you up at night, the questions you’re scared to ask out loud, the truths you’re just starting to admit, and the values you’re learning to protect.
While I bring structure, tools, and clinical insight when needed, I’m ultimately here to walk alongside you. You set the pace. You define what healing looks like. My role is to witness, support, challenge, and reflect in a way that helps you feel more fully yourself.
I approach all of my relationships (both in and out of the therapist/client dynamic) with nonjudgment, curiosity, and openness to each person’s lived experience. I meet people where they are, and when cultural differences arise, I slow down and listen even more deeply for context and cues about where to ask questions.
I never assume someone’s feelings, beliefs, or expectations. Instead, I see areas of difference as openings for connection and deeper understanding. I’m always open to feedback and committed to understanding the broader context of a person’s life as fully as I can.
OUTSIDE THE SESSIONS
People that are close to me know that I am basically obsessed with taking pictures! I like to think that I have an eye for beauty, irony, geometry, and random occurrences. I have what feels like a million pictures of trees, flowers, clouds, and my cats on my phone, and one of the ways I give myself a little treat is if I have accomplished all of my obligations I will let myself edit the pictures that I have taken (because I can sometimes sit and do it for hours, not realizing how long it has been).
I like to tell people that my spirit animal is tree moss 😏
In reality I think it has to be the goat because I am a Capricorn Sun and I was born in the year of the Chinese Metal Goat, but that’s neither here nor there. Living in the Pacific Northwest has been immensely healing and inspiring because I do in fact identify as a giant, gnarled, old oak tree that houses moss, ferns, and various types of tiny mushrooms!
My birthday has so many random events tied to it. My birthday is January 6th. While January 6th has come to be known for some specific things in the country lately, it is also the birthday of Joan of Arc (my matron saint if I had one); Alan Watts; the Christian “Feast of Epiphany” which is the designated day the wise men arrived to Jesus after following the Star of Bethlehem; the original birthday of Jesus as some forms of early Christianity coincided this with the celebrated birth dates of the Greek Dionysus and the Egyptian Osiris; Eastern Orthodoxal Christmas; and finally, “Little Women’s Christmas” in Ireland.
So I think that is all pretty cool!
• I love to rockhound and I have many amazing crystals that I have either dug myself or have been given to me.
• I was interviewed in Germany for a documentary on the world’s largest metal festival: Wacken Open Air.
• I got my cats “Leonardo Di Catprio” and “Little Mama” while living in Arkansas and they have been to 10 states with me over the last 8 years.
• I like to research declassified CIA documents in my downtime, as a treat!
• I started a bible study at my elementary school when I was in 2nd grade. We would sit under the big tree during recess and I would pray and then take the kids into the bathroom to play Bloody Mary.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
My interest in this work began with a deep curiosity about the human mind, and honestly, a search for how I became the way I am. Over time, that search grew into a calling to help people unlearn the harmful beliefs and systems that disconnect them from who they really are. Before becoming a therapist, I was involved in embodiment practices, ecstatic dance, meditation, and spiritual coaching. These experiences taught me that healing isn’t just about insight—it’s also about presence, body, spirit, and connection. Now, I hold space for people to come home to themselves in all of those ways.
My interest in this work began with a deep curiosity about the human mind, and honestly, a search for how I became the way I am. Over time, that search grew into a calling to help people unlearn the harmful beliefs and systems that disconnect them from who they really are.
Before becoming a therapist, I was involved in embodiment practices, ecstatic dance, meditation, and spiritual coaching. These experiences taught me that healing isn’t just about insight, it’s also about presence, body, spirit, and connection.
Now, I hold space for people to come home to themselves in all of those ways.
My work is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing from Relational-Cultural Theory, Schema Therapy, Narrative Therapy, attachment-based approaches, and mindfulness. I also incorporate somatic and embodiment practices, along with psychospiritual and transpersonal frameworks for clients exploring identity, meaning, or spiritual healing. I bring influences from energy healing, consciousness studies, and autonomy-driven, nonhierarchical values. Not to impose a worldview, but to offer a space where all parts of yourself are welcome in any way they need.
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Capella University · Expected Graduation: September 2026
My grad program has offered me a chance to grow in ways I was surprised by. While theory and application were a part of the curriculum, I also had the opportunity to challenge myself in assessing my beliefs, my dispositions, my biases, and my values so that I can show up authentically and openly with everyone I work with.
Certified Spirituality-Based Life Coach
Life Purpose Institute · Certified: February 3, 2020
This certification taught me how to bring structure and guidance into my spiritual and energetic practice. I learned how to sit with clients as they metabolize thoughts and feelings that they never let themselves admit to before.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Ashford University · Graduated: June 6, 2017
Here I learned all of the basics of the psychology field and where I really decided that this was what I was supposed to be doing. I have always loved theory and concepts, so this gave me a great foundation for applying these things in a more tangible way. I wrote my capstone on the concept of “Ecofeminism” and my life has never been the same!
Master Level Energy Worker
Center for Spiritual Development – South Lake Tahoe · Attended: June 2012 – July 2016
Studied in depth meditation, personal development, intuitive practices, various energy healing techniques for myself and others. I spent four years learning, integrating, and sharing principles I learned such as: grounding, chakra work, remote viewing, biofield assessment & clearing, running/cycling energy to clear and maintain my own auric field as well as inspire deeper self-awareness, meditative states, and spirit guide assistance.
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS AND PROJECTS
My professional goals extend beyond individual therapy into contributing to integrative, culturally inclusive, and nervous-system–aware approaches to mental health. I hope to support the field through continued education, community workshops, writing, and the development of accessible tools that help people understand themselves, heal their relationships, and step into a more empowered place in the world.
I am currently developing an integrative, transpersonal theory/treatment modality that explores how emerging research in coherence, neural synchrony, somatic entrainment, and consciousness studies can inform the therapeutic process. I am interested in how our nervous systems, relational fields, and subtle patterns of attention and presence shape healing. My work-in-progress examines how frequency (understood as: neural oscillations, emotional resonance, and interpersonal attunement) can support regulation, clarity, and deeper connection to the self and others.
This evolving framework aims to bridge neuroscience, somatic practices, and intuitive insight in a grounded way. My hope is to create an approach that helps individuals reconnect with their inner wisdom, cultivate embodied coherence, and participate in relationships and the world with greater alignment, vitality, and purpose.
This is part of my ongoing work to develop a therapeutic perspective that honors both the measurable science of regulation and the felt experience of human consciousness.