Testimonials

Through my work with Claire, I’ve finally processed my traumas and returned to living my life more fully. For years, I felt stuck and helpless, unable to move forward. During my childhood, I experienced sexual abuse, and when I was in college, I was sexually assaulted. After college, I simply shut down and stayed that way. I didn’t deal with what happened when I was younger, and as a young adult, I felt paralyzed and unable to live my life the way I wanted to. I was barely surviving. I’m so glad I reached out for assistance and started therapy. Working with Claire has helped me feel understood, safe, and unstuck. I’ve learned more about myself and how to cope with the things that happened to me. I’ve started to take care of myself and love myself again. I feel like I’m living again. – T.S.

Living with domestic violence for so long was incredibly challenging for me to face alone. I was overwhelmed with my life and felt terrified. I didn’t know what to do, but I was determined to end the violence and protect my children from witnessing it. It was taking a toll on all of us, causing me to have frequent panic attacks and a deep depression. I knew I had to act, but I was unsure of where to begin. Claire provided me with information about my options and offered unwavering support throughout the process. She empowered me to make decisions that aligned with my own values and provided me with guidance and care. As a result, I am now safe and my children no longer witness my partner’s abuse. I have regained my confidence and believe that I can make decisions and create a better life for myself and my children. – L.R.

After years of avoiding confronting my past, I made the courageous decision to seek help. I realized I needed someone who understood survivors to assist me in healing from trauma and managing my daily anxiety. For most of my life, I grappled with a profound sense of disconnection from myself and those around me, feeling broken and helpless. I placed my trust in Claire, believing that together, we could embark on a journey of my recovery. I am incredibly grateful for this decision. Therapy has been instrumental in renewing my self-worth and instilling hope that I will no longer face constant struggles related to my past. It also revealed that I have remarkable resilience. – M.M.

For me, experiencing sexual violence as a teen was a life-altering trauma that I struggled to recover from; I was filled with anger at what happened to me, and plagued by self doubt due to being blamed by my peers. The ‘My Story, My Terms’ Workshop allowed me to take back my power, reclaim my narrative, and find comfort and hope in the resiliency and strength displayed by fellow survivors. Claire’s compassion, encouragement and support throughout the well-structured workshop did wonders for my journey towards recovery and peace. Being able to put words to my story and acknowledge my own feelings and experiences was life changing and allowed for significant post-traumatic growth. I remain deeply grateful to have participated in such a special and wonderful opportunity! – K.T.

My Story, My Terms was an incredible opportunity that changed my life. Claire helped me understand that my story is my own and I only need to share what I choose to share. In a society where the shame and blame falls on survivors instead of perpetrators, feeling empowered in knowing that I do not owe anyone additional details of my experiences was a relief and a joy. Thanks to My Story, My Terms and Claire’s trauma-informed and mindful approach to my story I was able to publish my first article surrounding just part of my experience and went on to write many more. Claire didn’t just teach she showed us through how her story was shaped and shifted depending on the audience and her comfort level. I am truly so grateful for my time with Claire and how it supported my advocacy work, facilitation skills, writing, and so much more. – P.S.

I had the privilege of learning under the guidance of Dr. Claire McCue, LCSW, who served as both my professor and clinical supervisor during my undergraduate and graduate studies. Dr. McCue embodies the values of compassion, integrity, and advocacy in every aspect of her work.

A dedicated trauma-focused clinician, she approaches her work with deep empathy and a commitment to healing. Her supervision sharpened my early clinical skills and shaped my understanding of what it means to hold space for others. Dr. McCue is also a fierce advocate for human rights, consistently centering the voices and needs of the most marginalized in her teaching and practice.

Her impact on my professional and personal growth is immeasurable, and I carry her lessons with me every day in my work.
– Alexis Cate, LCSW, CCTP, CASAC, Clinical Social Worker | Certified EMDR Therapist and Founder of Empowered Psychotherapy, LCSW, PLLC
www.empoweredpsychotherapy.org

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Claire for 6 years at a nonprofit legal services organization assisting survivors of intimate partner violence. During our time as colleagues, Claire and I worked collaboratively and pioneered an interdisciplinary approach to address the legal and social needs of survivors. I could not have successfully represented and advocated for our clients in court without Claire’s remarkable clinical expertise and compassionate presence. She skillfully built genuine and trusting rapport with survivors—meeting each person with deep empathy, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering respect. Her knowledge of trauma-informed care and community resources was instrumental in helping our clients to rebuild their lives. Claire has always been, and continues to be, a strong advocate for the safety and empowerment of survivors of gender-based violence and trauma.

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, working through anxiety or depression, or just looking for someone to talk to with empathy and clarity, Claire will create a space that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. She brings not only professional expertise but also a rare warmth that helps people feel understood and truly seen. I’ve witnessed firsthand the difference Claire makes in people’s lives, and I’m grateful to have collaborated with someone so committed and skilled in this practice area. – Alicia Simpson, Esq.

There are few educators that I can recommend as highly as I recommend Dr. Claire McCue. She has taught classes for my former department at Wagner College. And over the years she has regularly and generously lectured to my own courses. She is truly brilliant. The depth of her knowledge on all things social work, including intimate partner violence, trauma and vicarious trauma is incredible! And she is one of those very talented teachers who pulls everyone in the room into conversation with her. My students are riveted the whole time she is with us. – Jean Halley, Ph. D., LMHC, Professor of Sociology. Graduate Center and the College of Staten Island of the City University of New York