About Claire...

Claire Von Karls is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been consulting with individuals, couples and groups  for over 25 years, in both public and private mental health settings. Claire facilitates effective and creative solutions to the problems of living, through the integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual balance.

In addition to traditional counseling and psychotherapy, Claire has created specific experiential practices, in the areas of dreamwork, guided imagery, dance, music, and meditative techniques, to enhance personal growth. These experiences enable us to focus more clearly on our goals, allowing us to feel healthier, more empowered, and better prepared to handle the joys and challenges of our lives.

Claire graduated with a BA degree in Sociology from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), in 1968, and then received her Masters in Social Work degree from Catholic University, in 1979. She specialized in learning clinical skills to affect positive change in individuals and groups, particularly around personal, professional, and interpersonal problems.

Claire began her career in Mental Health services in 1968, working as counselor and public advocate, in a variety of psychiatric settings.  From 1973 to 1979, she worked in a community mental health center, coordinating initial client evaluations, treatment programs, and community consultation. In 1979 she co-founded and co-directed the Arnold-Severn Center, a private community mental health center in Annapolis, Md. that provides a full range of services to adults, adolescents, children, and families. Collaboration with other professionals, and community involvement, are important facets of the center’s approach to treatment. Claire continues to supervise counselors, consult with clients, and coordinate several programs at that center.

Claire established the Riverside Counseling Center in Littleton, New Hampshire, in 2002. In this venture, Claire continues her commitment to wellness and prevention, and to provide a holistic approach to dealing with life issues. In addition, the center affords her the opportunity to expand her services to include longer and larger retreats and experiential programs, and more community focused consultation. She accepts referrals for individual, couples, and family counseling. Her workshop topics range from specific personal empowerment skills to creative programs of self-discovery and intuitive wisdom.

Claire speaks publicly at Women’s Wellness conferences, and local organizations. She has published articles in newspapers, and poetry in the New England Writers Anthology. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and the NH Psychological Association. Claire has served on the Board of Directors of WREN and Neskaya, and is currently the Vice President of the Board of the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire. Her community service also includes volunteer work for Hospice and area schools.