Clara Ndiraya

LMSW, she/her
therapist

I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they navigate their journey of healing and growth, while honoring their cultural context, respecting their individual experiences, and embracing the interconnectedness of their relationships and communities.

I also believe that…

  • Healing does not happen in a silo. It is a process that thrives in the presence of connection, support, and access to essential resources. Therapy is most effective when it fosters a collaborative, safe environment— reinforcing your own resilience by exploring challenges with the support of someone who offers unconditional compassion. As a social worker, I am passionate about helping my clients navigate barriers to securing the resources that are foundational to wellbeing, like safety, stable housing, healthcare, and financial security.

  • You are your own hero. Developing a sense of personal agency and empowerment is key to long-lasting change. My approach is designed to help you rediscover your inner strengths, build resilience, and gain the tools necessary to navigate life's difficulties, like self-compassion, effective coping strategies, and problem-solving skills. The hero’s journey within the therapy process empowers you to reconnect with the empowerment, strength, and wisdom you already have, which often must be uncovered and cultivated in the presence of compassionate guidance and support.

  • Mental health is political. Social work research emphasizes the importance of acknowledging how systems of power, privilege, and oppression influence mental health. A political approach to therapy isn’t about aligning with a specific party or candidate— it’s about recognizing that individual liberation is bound up in collective liberation. This is a space where both individual and societal healing can occur, with the recognition that addressing systemic injustice is integral to mental health.

  • We are all in constant evolution. Research on neuroplasticity reveals that the brain is constantly reshaping itself in response to new experiences, learning, and emotional processing. Good therapy supports this ongoing evolution by helping you process past experiences, challenge limiting beliefs, and adopt more skillful ways of thinking and acting in the world. In the process, you learn to more fully embrace your evolving nature, becoming more flexible and adaptable to the inevitable challenges and curveballs of life.

My purpose at the Gaia Center is to provide a space where you can explore your unique journey toward healing, authenticity, and empowerment, while cultivating well-being through highly personalized, inclusive therapy.

I work with adults individually and with couples.

I support clients with a wide range of clinical issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and identity exploration. I use a blend of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), existential therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based approaches, tailored to each person’s needs.

I am particularly passionate about working with individuals from marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those navigating complex cultural identities. I deeply value inclusivity, authenticity, and empowerment, believing that therapy should be a safe, collaborative space where clients can reconnect with their true selves and embrace their personal growth. 

Credentials & Trainings

  • Clara completed her Master's in Social Work at Delaware State University and currently holds the LMSW credential as she works toward full LCSW licensure under the supervision of Valerie Martin, LCSW.

Human First…

When I’m not working, I enjoy writing music, being outside, traveling, and an occasional horizontal day, where lying down is priority #1. My favorite thing to do is spend time with loved ones, remembering that I am part of a vibrant community that offers mutual support.

Do you want to schedule an initial session or phone consultation with Clara?

Clara works with adults (individuals and couples).

Fill out the form on our contact page, or reach out to us at hello@gaiacenter.co or 615.270.8117 (call or text). We’ll respond within 24 business hours.

Hours & Rates…

🌱 Sees clients Mondays - Fridays (mix of in-person and virtual) with some evening spots (virtual) available

🌱 Individual 50-minute session is $135 ($155 for couples)
🌱 Individual 75-minute session is $200 ($230 for couples)
🌱 Clara reserves several reduced-fee spots for clients in financial need; you can inquire to see if any of these spots are available. Reduced fee services are also available with graduate interns at The Gaia Center.