About MaryClaire A.

Dr. Landreth once said, “Play is the child’s symbolic language of self-expression and can reveal (a) what the child has experienced; (b) reactions to what was experienced; (c) feelings about what was experienced; (d) what the child wishes, wants, or needs; and (e) the child’s perception of self.” The way I practice therapy with my clients is always client-centered, and I come into sessions with strengths-based, empowerment, social justice, systems, and psychodynamic lenses. 

My social work journey began as a School Social Worker where I worked with ages 3-21 in high school through elementary school settings. I have worked with a wide variety of children, adolescents, and teenagers who have emotional, behavioral, and/or physical challenges. My experience is working with clients diagnosed with, but not limited to, Developmental Delays, Autism, ADHD, ADD, anxiety, learning disabilities, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), emotional disabilities (ED), PTSD, and more. I have worked with parents and guardians as a parent coach to guide and support them, focusing on helping them develop more effective parenting skills and strengthen their relationships with their children. As a therapist, I strive to empower my clients, not to fit into society’s norms, but to teach them to move in society in a way that best fits them. I want to understand my client in all their daily settings to develop an attainable treatment plan that can address past, current, and potential future challenges. I have experience with individual sessions, duo sessions, group sessions, parent coaching, and family sessions with clients who have, but are not limited to, challenges associated with grief, issues with family conflict, peer relationships, anger management, adjustments in family dynamics, emotional vulnerability, and minor and major life transitions. 

I grew up in a blended family with 3 brothers and 3 sisters, all 25-35 years older than me (shout out my mom for having me at 52!), and one of my brothers is diagnosed with profound non-verbal autism. Understanding complex family dynamics is something I have not only grown up with, but also something I have dealt with as a social worker daily. I have a passion for assisting adolescents and teenagers to find their self-confidence, parents to learn practical tools and techniques to manage challenging behaviors, improve communication, and foster stronger relationships with their children, and create an environment that is safe for all. I am and will always be LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC supportive with my therapy techniques. In the wise words of Carl Rogers, “In my early professional years I was asking the question, How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?” I would be honored to be a part of your therapeutic journey for yourself, your child, or your family with a holistic care approach, and I will treat every session with compassion, a dash of humor, and fun when we work together!  

“As a therapist, I strive to empower my clients, not to fit into society’s norms, but to teach them to move in society in a way that best fits them.”

- Maryclaire Ahlgren, LSW (She/Her)

Maryclaire is a staff therapist at Empower Family Therapy. She has completed her Master of Social Work from Loyola University and has clinical experience. She is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Illinois and receives direct supervision under Ruaa Jaber, LCSW.

To schedule an appointment with Maryclaire, contact us and mention her name.

Maryclaire’S SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

  • Teens struggling with emotional vulnerability, social skills, and self-confidence

  • High school students preparing for transitions post-graduation

  • Children & teens struggling with anxiety, depression, and PTSD

  • Male teens in need of assistance with emotional regulation and executive functioning skills

  • Adoptive, blended, and foster families navigating transitions in their family dynamics

  • Parent coaching for parents & families of neurodivergent children