(805) 882-2424 ext. 301
sclaassen@ftisb.org
Servicios disponibles en español
Education, Professional Training & Publications
B.A. Spanish Literature, Vanderbilt University
M.Div., Yale Divinity School, Yale University
M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy, USC (current)
Trainee in Marriage and Family Therapy, Under Supervision
Treatment Philosophy & Approach
I bring compassion and respect to a direct approach that draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, mindfulness, and somatic practices. These empirically-supported treatments pair with personal flexibility to tailor our work to your goals. My clients include individuals, couples, children, and families. I provide a non-judgmental and engaging presence to foster change that integrates mind, body, and spirit in healing and growth.
Professional & Volunteer Experience
Priest-in-Charge, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Los Olivos
Episcopal Chaplain to UCSB and Vicar of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Associate Priest, Thad’s Episcopal Church, Santa Monica
Chaplain, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia
Beatitudes Fellow, Glide Memorial Church, San Francisco\
Specialties & Areas of Expertise
I have over 15 years of experience counseling individuals, couples, families, and spiritual communities. I trained as an instructor of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through the UCSD Center for Mindfulness, and my own mindfulness practices are grounded in studies with Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village. I am an Episcopal priest, and I am involved with various interfaith organizations. Following formal studies investigating the relationship between religion and ecology at Yale, I took a Carbon Sabbath, during which I spent one year without flying or driving while cycling over 11,500 miles around the country to engage Christian communities in dialogue about climate change.
Personal Life
I am a husband and father of three. I am also a multi-instrumentalist musician and songwriter as well as an avid outdoorsman, surfer, traveler, and environmental activist. When not working or with my family, I am usually exploring wilderness and dreaming of new ways to make a love-spreading difference in the world.