Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Zwerk, Lmsw
Hi Claire, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Private practice was always the goal- I love working with people in an up-close way and helping them find their way through challenging seasons of life. After college, I started out working in a larger company and was able to gain wonderful experience with clinical social work and therapeutic technique. I loved the work that I was doing, but wanted to become specialized in couples therapy. After speaking with the management team at the agency I realized that my long-term goals weren’t compatible with theirs, and a colleague in private practice gave me the nudge that I needed to start my own business.
We soon found the perfect location and began renovations and Flourish Couples & Family Therapy, LLC opened on September 1, 2021.
It was a slow start at first- building a caseload is not an easy thing! But within six months my caseload was full and I was having to start a waiting list and turn clients away, which I did not enjoy. By the end of my first year in private practice I began to expand my physical space and bring on more therapists. My goal for Flourish has always been to provide services that feel specialized and for clients to feel like they are getting the best of the best, and I believe that my team offers that to our surrounding communities.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business is scary, there is no doubt about that! So many fears and anxieties during the first few months- would the community accept and support us? Did I make a mistake in the location of my practice? Will people see the value in the services that we offer?
I spent so many hours networking and walking through the town introducing myself to the other local businesses. I passed out hundreds of business cards and fliers.
Luckily, all of the hard work paid off. I will never forget the feeling of booking that first therapy appointment!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Flourish Couples & Family Therapy, LLC?
We are a team of six therapists who each have their own specialty. I specialize in working with couples and families and I am Level Three trained trained in the Gottman Method- a research based method for working with couples and I am one of only a few in the state of Michigan. This method is proven to help couples find clarity in their relationship and will help couples improve their communication, connection, and heal from past hurts.
We also have a clinician on staff who specializes in working with children and uses play therapy techniques in creating change, we have therapists on staff who specialize in working with teens and young adults, and we have clinicians on staff who work with adults with focuses on Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, grief, life transitions, and much more. Additionally, we have someone on staff who specializes in Financial Therapy.
I am so proud and grateful for this team of clinicians who share the mindset of providing high-quality and effective services to our clients and who do great work, and I am grateful for a community who sees the value in what we provide and trusts us with their most vulnerable moments.
We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network and provide out-of-pocket discounts for those who are looking for services with other/no insurance as well.
What were you like growing up?
I have always had a heart for people and was involved in volunteer activities and student council. I was the person that my friends came to for advice and support during hard times and I was always looking for ways to give back and show up for others.
I had always thought that I wanted to be a psychologist, but realized that I was not as interested so much in the aspect of doing research, I wanted to be face-to-face with people.
I was introduced to social work when my family decided to adopt and quickly fell in love with the idea of becoming a clinical social worker. I attended Saginaw Valley State University for my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, and met so many wonderful professors and friends through that program.
Pricing:
- Out-Of-Pocket Intake Session: $185
- Out-Of-Pocket Session: $148
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flourishcouplesandfamilytherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/flourishcouples.familytherapy
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/flourishcouplesandfamilytherapy
