Claire LeMay (LISW, IADC, MSW)

I specialize in dual diagnosis treatment of substance use disorders and mental health disorders, trauma treatment, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. I have been a social worker and therapist for 8 years, primarily in addiction medicine settings facilitating groups at the IOP and PHP levels of care. I have been providing individual therapy for 3 years.  I work at the Cedar Rapids location and offer telehealth and in the near future will offer in person sessions.

Specialties

I am a DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) trained therapist and utilize the four components of DBT along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) concepts to treat substance use disorders and mood disorders. I am trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to treat trauma. I primarily work with adults 18 and up. The techniques I use are focused on bottom up techniques such as ART and mindfulness, and skill building from DBT for distress tolerance and emotion regulation.

Training & Credentials:

I have a BSW with honors in social work from the University of Iowa. I completed a masters degree in social work(MSW)  in 2017 from the University of Iowa. I have my International Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification from the Iowa Board of Certifications since 2020. I have about 30 training hours in DBT from a number of different sources. I have completed the Accelerated Resolution Therapy Basic Training in July 2025. I have completed Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Non Ordinary Therapy in March 2025.

Clients can expect a warm and welcoming experience in therapy. I believe that therapy is a collaborative experience and that the relationship between the therapist and client is one built on compassion, understanding, connection, directness, and freedom. Clients can expect to feel supported, connected, and understood, no matter what the circumstances. Clients are encouraged to talk about whatever they need to talk about, however they feel they need to talk about their experience, with some encouragement to stretch into growth however that looks for the individual at whatever the pace the client needs.

“I love this work because people who chose to explore themselves through therapy are courageous and inspiring. I love being a part of a person’s journey of self discovery. Courage is not comfortable, it’s in the midst of facing our fears that we experience courage. I am inspired by working with people who chose to face their fears everyday in their sessions and everyday life. I am encouraged by working with people who are willing to face discomfort for growth, who chose to try to do the hard and difficult thing.”

Working with and experiencing emotions can be new and scary. My approach is to ease into increasing emotional vocabulary and awareness of your mind body experience. We go at your pace. Understanding your emotions can open your world to new possibilities and experiences. It’s not always easy, but oftentimes it is worth exploring and experiencing your full range of emotions.