Therapist and Fellow Human
Claycie Gerlt, MSW, LCSW (she/her/hers)
Therapists are people too.
Truth be told, I've sat right where you are, as the client on my own therapy journey. I know firsthand the deep work it takes to make sense of your past, understand yourself at a deeper level, and begin to create new patterns in your life.
I understand there are days when therapy feels like the last thing you want to do, and days when you can't wait to show up and share the changes you're starting to notice.
Wherever you are in the process, you're not alone.
I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri (M-I-Z!) in 2009 and quickly developed a passion for community-based work. Early in my career I worked with families and youth in community and case management settings, building a foundation in trauma-informed care that continues to shape how I work today. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2012.
After taking time away from the field when my children were young, I reflected on how I wanted to re-enter the profession. In the years following, I honed in on my true passion: helping individuals heal at the root and reclaim their sense of self.
After gaining valuable experience in group practice, I realized how much I loved working closely with clients in the therapy setting. This passion ultimately led me to open Shared Journey Therapy, a practice built on the belief that therapy is a collaborative journey.
Background and Path to Therapy
In my work with clients, I draw from a range of approaches rooted in the belief that lasting change happens from the inside out. Much of my work is informed by somatic principles and Internal Family Systems (IFS), a parts-based model that helps you build a compassionate relationship with the different sides of yourself that show up in life and relationships. I am also formally trained in EMDR, an evidence-based approach for processing trauma that I weave in as one tool within this broader framework. While I am not formally certified in somatic therapy or IFS, these perspectives deeply inform how I work.
Our sessions may look like processing day to day stressors, getting into deeper work, or a mix of both. Either way, we will work on the hard stuff, but I believe therapy can also be a time for humor, laughter, and the occasional side trail. I love a good pop culture tie-in with therapy!
My Approach
The Heart Behind the Work
At my core, I'm an introvert who loves nothing more than puttering around the house, listening to a good podcast, re-binging a favorite show, or getting lost in a new documentary. I adore a good meal, summer sunshine, and being by the water... a pool works, but a beach is always preferred!
I'm a mom of two and a proud dog mom to Dexter and Bo, my shih-tzus and therapy assistants.
Most importantly, I'm a work in progress, too.
