Meet Claire Eliassen | Therapist and Owner of Audacious Therapy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire Eliassen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking can be be exciting and scary at the same time, and I believe it goes hand in hand with being an entrepreneur. Taking risks is something I like to do: I’m willing to go first, to bend the rules, to try something different, to be seen as different. Sometimes the risk pays off with good rewards, and other times I’ve had to face disappointment, discouragement and even embarrassment.
I never wanted to become my own boss in private practice. Now that I’m here, I am so proud. It’s a risk-that’s for sure! There’s no one else to complain to or hold responsible when things don’t go as planned. I get to think creatively, face the challenges, shift my work/life balance as I need to and focus on the things I love: supporting clients through tough days so they can own their own power and story.
It’s a risk to go to therapy and I believe it’s the courageous who go, not the weak!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a therapist, I love supporting preteen girls and overwhelmed moms. I’m trained in play therapy and have my undergrad in elementary education, but I’m also a mom who gets it. I’ve been working with kids and families professionally for over 20 years and I’ve been a therapist for over 13 years. Therapy with me can include laughter and fun as well trauma work.
Growing up in a big family, I was a sensitive feeler who started journaling in 5th grade to try to handle my internal anxiety. I got good grades and flew under the radar. By the time I tried therapy in college, I was so grateful for a caring listening ear to help me straighten out all that was happening inside.
I named my practice Audacious Therapy because I like thinking outside the box. I believing healing and taking care of yourself is audacious. Sometimes we need help dusting ourselves off and putting our feet back on the ground. Sometimes the bravest thing is to walk back out the door and try again.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m so proud of Colorado, all the nature, art and beauty.
I’d want to take my best friend:
-paddle boarding at Aurora Reservoir and to get green chili at Santiago’s
-a day in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, snacking on fudge as needed
-a walk in City Park and watch the sun set over the city
-stroll Pearl Street Mall in Boulder and hike up to touch the Flatirons
-go to Red Rocks during the day and take in the natural beauty

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Jeff, has believed in me since the beginning. His support is a lifeline.

My parents taught me the value of hard work and helping people.

I’m a part of colleague group we call Outdoor Cats-because we left the comfort of “inside” and are all now our own bosses. We do what we want like an outside cat. These women encourage and challenge me along the way.

Thank you to all those who have encouraged and supported me on my journey! I could not have gotten here on my own.

Website: https://www.audacioustherapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audacioustherapy/

Image Credits
Images by Faceted Media and Jeff Eliassen