Meet Clara (ciara) Throckmorton

We recently connected with Clara (ciara) Throckmorton and have shared our conversation below.

Clara (Ciara) , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My purpose was discovered in 2011. The year I studied at Columbia University in New York, New York. I applied as a guest student to further my education as an aspiring journalist. The world had come to a halt and families were recovering from the devastation of the Twin Towers attacks. I had just gotten accepted as a summer student to attend the distinctive Columbia University. I was jolted with fear, excitement, and confusion. I contemplated, should I stay home and be with my family and reconsider my decision, or should l proceed and enter into a new world of opportunity? Many questions swirled around my mind and I was perplexed. I decided to accept the invitation and a few weeks later I landed in New York, New York. I was a young, excited, nervous, and ecstatic 20-year-old. I was determined to save the world by using my skills as an aspiring Journalist and reporting the everyday lives of families. To my surprise, New York shifted my perspective and charged me to re-evaluate my ambitions. I was exposed to underprivileged neighborhoods darker than my current view. I met some of the bravest, resilient, and courageous people. I shared their food, I immersed myself in their culture, and I shared in their joy and pain in all three short months. This experience led me to work more closely with people. My heart was moved with deep compassion and I recognized how impactful sharing hearts and swapping stories was more meaningful and transformative. “Boots on the ground” became my slogan and when I returned to Michigan, I quickly changed my studies from Journalism to Social Work.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Speaker, and Life Coach. I am the founder of Out the Box Therapy a virtual therapy practice. As a therapist, this role can be exciting, overwhelming, and exhilarating. I see myself as a tour guide in a person’s life and sometimes I get a front row seat to fresh ideas and thoughts. Being a Therapist and trained as an Emotionally Focused Therapist is an honorable position to be in. I’ve learned that partnering with a client’s heart and joining their world is enriching. This is a special role that enlists stewardship and empathy. It is my goal and purpose to bring much awareness to mental wellness and normalize therapy internationally. OTB plans to spread the word about this principle by developing new concepts that can be found by following us on Instagram @Outtheboxtherapy

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I would acknowledge self-acceptance, self-awareness, and courage as the following qualities and skills that were most impactful on my journey. For those who are new to their self-acceptance journey, I would implore this- “Be yourself”! You are you for a reason, your quirks, eccentricities, and characteristics are special and unique to you. We can all improve ourselves, but changing who we authentically are for acceptance in society can be dangerous and harmful. You are an original, distinctive, and rare individual. Your skills and talents are urging to be cultivated and expressed. Allow yourself to explore and mold your qualities/talents/skills.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

So many books have contributed to my personal development as a person, therapist, woman, mother, friend, and sister. However, a few books that I would like to share are The Bible, Stacey Abrams- Lead from the Outside, and Hold Me Tight-Dr. Sue Johnson. These books have challenged and inspired me to be bold, attuned to empathy, and exercise faith despite all circumstances.

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Image Credits

Michael Johnson-Abstract Perception

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