Claire Avitabile, MA

(She/Her)

✔️ Accepting New Clients

🗺️ Minnesota

💻 Both Telehealth & In-Person

📅 Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays

🎂 13+

✉️ claire@edgeswellness.com

🎓 MA, Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, Adler Graduate School

I have always believed that people are the experts of their own lives. No one else can tell your story better or more accurately than you can. Unfortunately, many people struggle to find a place where they feel seen, heard, or validated. For some, their experiences or stories are painful, or get in the way of goals or daily functioning. For others, they are a barrier to growth. In my work, I strive to create a collaborative, supportive, and affirming therapeutic space where clients feel heard, understood, and believed; a space that promotes self-discovery and personal growth, and where clients feel safe to explore their narratives, including the ones they may wish to change. Utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach that is grounded in respect and encouragement, I do what I can to meet my clients where they are at, and draw inspiration for our work together from Adlerian, Narrative, IFS (parts work), Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral therapies.

I specialize in working with the LGTBQ+ community, including both adolescents and adults anywhere on their gender or sexuality journey. I also love working with couples and families, helping them navigate life changes and transitions, and improve emotional connection and communication. I provide a sex-positive space that welcomes all relational models, including non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships, and I will honor your personal definitions of identity, love, family, and more. I also enjoy working with folks who are navigating anxiety and depression, grief or ambiguous loss, body image, and developmental trauma.

I have my Master of Arts degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from Adler Graduate School, and am working at Edges Wellness Center under clinical supervision of Mark Reese, LMFT, as I continue on the path to licensure in Minnesota. Previously, I worked as a theatre director, teacher, and mentor, most notably as the founder and Executive Director of 20% Theatre Company in Minneapolis (2007-2022) whose mission was to encourage and empower LGTBQ+ artists through the development and performance of new work. Creativity is important in all parts of my life and work!

In my free time, I can be found adventuring with my partner, snuggling cats, watching documentaries, reading queer memoirs, cooking, and when weather permits, being outside as much as possible walking around our South Minneapolis neighborhood, spending time in our around Lake Nokomis, or gardening or hosting friends and family for a BBQ in our backyard. Please reach out if you think we might be a good fit. I look forward to connecting and accompanying you on your path to well-being!