Claudia Schwenzer

I specialize in helping teens through older adults who are struggling to stop repetitive behaviors, chronic anxiety, life interruptions, and relationship challenges so they can feel balanced and in control of their life. I also help people who feel alone and overwhelmed with unexplained or chronic physical challenges by partnering with them on their journey to health and strength.

When Your Thoughts Feel Hard to Turn Off

Maybe your mind gets stuck on the same thought, question, fear, or “what if?”  You may replay conversations, seek reassurance, check things repeatedly, avoid situations that make you uncomfortable, or feel driven to do certain things until they feel “just right.” You might even recognize that these thoughts or behaviors aren’t helping—but still find them incredibly difficult to stop.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone in feeling exhausted by your own mind.

I specialize in working with teens and adults experiencing repetitive or intrusive thoughts and behaviors, anxiety, and social anxiety. Together, we’ll begin to understand the patterns that are keeping you stuck and work on changing the way you respond to uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and uncertainty. The goal isn’t necessarily to make every difficult thought disappear. It’s to help those thoughts take up less space in your life—and give you more freedom to decide what you do next.

My approach is active and collaborative. I’ll help you notice patterns you may not recognize on your own, develop practical strategies for responding differently, and build greater confidence in your ability to tolerate difficult emotions without letting them dictate your choices.

When Taking Care of Yourself Feels Like a Full-Time Job 

I also have years of experience working with people living with chronic illness, chronic pain, and the emotional exhaustion that can come with managing a health condition over time.

Living with a chronic condition can affect much more than your physical health. There can be worry, frustration, grief, burnout, changes in relationships, and the relentless responsibility of managing something you never get to take a vacation from. 

This work is both professionally and personally meaningful to me. My background includes diabetes research, management, diabetes burnout treatment, and advocacy and education around access to affordable insulin. I have also been managing my own diabetes for more than 20 years, alongside my spouse, who also lives with diabetes. I understand that chronic illness is something you live with—not the entirety of who you are.

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan, as well as a Clinical Supervisor.

I  want you to be an active participant in our work together—developing greater awareness, learning new ways to cope and respond, and gradually feeling more in charge of your emotional well-being.