Claudia Santorelli-Bates, LMFT(She/Her/Hers)

Here is a bit about how I like to work. I with adults, couples, and families who may look like they’re holding it together on the outside, but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck on the inside. Many of the people who come to me are thoughtful, capable, and deeply caring, yet find themselves repeating patterns — in relationships or within themselves — that no longer serve them. I approach this work with curiosity, compassion, and the belief that these patterns make sense when we understand their roots.

In my work, I focus on helping you slow things down and make sense of your emotional world. I look at how early experiences, family dynamics, and attachment shape how you relate to others and to yourself today. I practice attachment-focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) when appropriate, supporting the processing of difficult or traumatic experiences in a way that feels contained, relational, and not overwhelming, always moving at a pace that feels safe.

I see therapy as a collaborative process where you don’t need to perform or have everything figured out. My style is warm, engaged, and grounded, and I also believe humor can be an important part of healing — especially when it helps create connection, relief, and perspective. I work at a pace that respects your nervous system and your readiness, and I welcome individuals, couples, and families who are curious about themselves, even if they’re also feeling hesitant or unsure. We figure things out together.