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Clare Lagarde
About
Hello, my name is Clare! I am a psychologist licensed in New Jersey and New York. I have extensive experience in psychological testing and assessment and am greatly passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward self-understanding, identifying their strengths and celebrating their individuality. As a clinician, I value the importance of thorough and accurate evaluations. In fact, I believe that the assessment process should offer a safe, culturally sensitive, and compassionate space, which allows for an in-depth understanding of all individuals. I look forward to the opportunity to partner with you, working collaboratively to uncover your individualized strengths, qualities, and inherent skills – all the wonderful things that make you uniquely you.
My passion for working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals stems from a deep respect for neurodiversity and a strong desire to assist people in better understanding their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My first client was a remarkable boy who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (formerly Autistic Disorder). Each day with him was a unique journey, during which he gifted me the honor of insight into his authenticity and diverse perspectives. In fact, it was he who inspired my further matriculation into psychology and pursuit of my current career. As such, with fondest memories of him, it is my goal to help clients build on their strengths, feel empowered to navigate challenges, and develop skills that align with their individual goals.
I focus on an affirming and strengths-based approach to ensure that all individuals feel seen, valued, and understood. I believe in looking further beyond areas of difficulty to recognize and emphasize individuals’ strengths, skills, and potential, while honoring their individual needs and goals. Therefore, my approach includes active, reflective, and supportive listening, understanding towards one’s unique feelings and lived experiences, and a safe space for reflection and self-expression.
