Anna Claybaugh , LCSW, LICSW

Anna Claybaugh, LCSW, LICSW (pronouns: she/her/hers/they/their/theirs) brings a warm, inviting presence to clinical work and a clear focus on helping people build connection and authenticity in their lives. Anna specializes in supporting those who struggle to express their needs or to place themselves on their own list of priorities - including people pleasers, highly sensitive individuals, those in healing professions, people with critical self-talk, and caregivers. As a queer clinician, Anna also centers care for members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and approaches each person with unconditional positive regard.

Working from a decolonized, trauma-informed, and compassion-centered framework, Anna blends knowledge of brain science with a range of psychotherapeutic methods to offer holistic, tailored care. She helps clients identify what is blocking them, learn practical coping skills, and reclaim their personal power to shape the life they want. Her style is direct yet gentle, relaxed and supportive, creating an atmosphere where people feel welcomed and understood without judgment.

Anna holds two bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Gender Studies from Arizona State University and a Master of Social Work from New York University. She has over nine years of experience as a clinical social worker and carries the credentials LCSW and LICSW, both clinical social work licenses. Anna has training and certifications in Collaborative Problem Solving from Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment Theory. For those experiencing major depression with suicidal ideation or who are currently unable to leave their bed or room, Anna recommends working with a therapist who is specifically suited to support those needs at this time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care

Anna uses Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relationships shape current patterns of relating. This work helps people understand attachment needs, improve closeness and boundaries, and address issues like abandonment, attachment challenges, and relationship distress. Anna also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, offering a nonjudgmental, empathetic stance that prioritizes the client’s experience and supports self-directed growth; this approach is helpful for building self-esteem, processing life changes, and fostering autonomy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; CBT is practical for treating anxiety, stress, mood challenges, and coping with daily life obstacles.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Anna treats this as a collaborative process. Together with each client she considers needs, goals, and preferences to tailor methods and pace, adapting techniques so they fit the person rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model. Licensed professionals and therapists can integrate these approaches to create a personalized plan that evolves over time.

Online therapy by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for busy schedules, reduces travel time, and increases access for those living in different areas of Washington. These remote options allow clients to engage in regular care from familiar settings, making it easier to maintain consistency and to try different modalities while working toward emotional and relational goals.