Navesink Team Member

Claudia DiBenedetto, MS, LAC

Claudia DiBenedetto, MS, LAC

About

Claudia

Claudia DiBenedetto, a devoted Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), has a rich educational background and extensive expertise. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Childhood Studies and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in play therapy/children and families, Claudia is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of the developing child.

Specializing in working with children and adolescents, Claudia focuses on a diverse range of issues, including anxiety disorders, frustration intolerance, depression, body image issues, impulsivity, life transitions, oppositional behavior, and trauma. Her commitment extends to assisting parents in navigating these challenges at home, fostering a holistic approach to therapy.

Claudia is currently on the path to obtaining her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) certification, showcasing her dedication to utilizing innovative methods in her practice. Her strong background in early childhood development enables her to address the distinct needs of her young clients, particularly in treating severe trauma.

What sets Claudia apart is her unwavering belief in the importance of building trusting relationships with clients of all ages. Creating a relaxed and judgment-free environment is central to her practice, fostering a safe space for effective exploration of feelings and positive change. Claudia understands that this approach is key to establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, forming the bedrock for successful counseling outcomes.

Claudia’s passion for helping children and families navigate the complexities of mental health shines through, making Claudia DiBenedetto a compassionate and skilled clinician committed to making a positive impact on the well-being of her clients, especially young children learning to self-regulate, identify and articulate their emotions, and communicate effectively.

What drew you to this type of work?

Growing up as a high level athlete, I experienced the pressure, stress, and anxiety that often come with high expectations. Through those experiences, I came to appreciate the value of counseling, which inspired my interest in this work and my desire to help clients build practical coping skills, reduce stress, and improve overall well being.

What type of clients tend to resonate with your approach?

My approach tends to resonate with clients who are curious and willing to try new ways of managing challenges. I integrate different modalities by staying flexible and responsive to what each client needs in the moment. While my foundation is in evidence-based treatments like ERP and CBT - which are incredibly effective for OCD and performance anxiety - I also pull from mindfulness practices, acceptance-based approaches, and psychoeducation depending on what will be most helpful. Some clients are ready to dive into exposure work right away, while others benefit from first building awareness and learning skills to manage distress. I pay close attention to each person's unique experience, their goals, and their comfort level, and I adjust our approach accordingly. My role is to guide the process while honoring where you are and what you're ready for.

Who might benefit most from working with you?

I work best with people who are tired of letting OCD or anxiety run the show. My clients are often high-achievers - students preparing for exams, athletes or performers facing pressure, professionals navigating high-stakes environments - who feel like their anxiety is getting in the way of their potential. They're ready to stop avoiding and start confronting what's been holding them back. If you're someone who's motivated to make real change, willing to lean into discomfort with guidance and support, and ready to take back control from intrusive thoughts or compulsive patterns, I'd love to work with you.

How do you hope clients feel working with you over time?

Over time, I hope clients feel understood and supported, while also building the confidence and skills to take on life’s challenges outside of our sessions.

Claudia has extensive experience in:

“Claudia has been instrumental in helping me overcome my anxiety. It was impacting all aspects of my life - sports, school, friendships. My endless thoughts were paralyzing and Claudia helped me to understand myself better so that I could gain control of my life”

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