Meet Claudette Waite of NewPoint of View Counseling in Ahwatukee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudette Waite.

Claudette, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Jamaica, left to live in Montreal, Canada when I was 11 years old. My mother left my sister and I to be raised by our grandparents in pursuit of a better economic future for us both. The result of this action was that we were separated from her physically and emotionally. As early as I can remember, I have been searching to understand my family dynamics. It wasn’t until my first psychology class in college that our life and my parent’s decisions began to make sense and I knew what I wanted to do. I graduated with a BA in Psychology from Mcgill University and later moved from Canada to live in the Phoenix about 17 years ago.

I have always wanted to be in private practice but the decision to start my solo practice came quicker than expected after my husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. I was working at a hospital in Phoenix and it was difficult to get time off. I promised myself that I never wanted to find myself in the position of having to choose between my husband and my job. When I received my professional license to practice, I started NewPoint of View Counseling. I worked mainly weekends and evenings at first but was able to leave my job by January of 2017 for full practice.

I love the work that I do and truly believe that people can change their lives if they are able to engage with a therapist that understands their point of view and is open to their experience. I have a multicultural practice and specialize in multi-generational trauma of immigration. In addition to childhood sexual abuse, relationship discord and attachment issues. I work with general mental health population, in addition to serious mental illness. I specialize in couples counseling, trauma, emotional and attachment issues from childhood to present.

I live in the Ahwatukee area with my husband of 10 years, we recently celebrated our 10-year anniversary by visiting Europe. Most weekends you will find us along with our 2 dogs, Jax and Bella, hiking South Mountain.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main struggle was working a full-time job, while starting my private practice and dealing with my husband’s health issues.

Please tell us about NewPoint of View Counseling.
I hold a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, I am EMDR, DBT and EFT trained. I have been a therapist since 2012.

I have lived in three different countries and I have traveled extensively and understand different cultures. This makes me uniquely qualified to offer a non-judgmental environment in which my clients can be heard and respected. I have always enjoyed listening to and learning from others and believe that each person has something to offer this planet. My practice is culturally sensitive, nurturing, compassionate, honest, respectful and geared towards solving your problems collaboratively.

I believe that each individual has a unique story and point of view which colors their experience, and ability to successfully navigate life’s transitions. I specialize in helping people to uncover core issues contributing to anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, intimate partner conflict/ divorce, codependency, anger, grief and bereavement issues. I am experienced in working with individuals struggling with trauma, substance abuse, mood disorders, and interpersonal conflict.

I believe that while the relationship we have with others adds to our happiness and sense of connectedness, the ultimate relationship we need to nurture is the one we have with ourselves. When we are able to view ourselves as worthy, as deserving, as good, as loving, and as beautiful as we view others, we are then able to attract that which we seek into our lives.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memories are of those growing up in Jamaica, spending time with my grandmother, sister and childhood friends. I loved running along the dirt roads to visit my paternal grandmother, climbing trees to pick fresh fruits, and hopping on the back of trucks. I can still hear the encouragement from my maternal grandmother to pursue education. Her favorite saying “manners and education, will take you through the world”.

Contact Info:

• Address: 4425 E. Agave Rd.
  Building 8, suite 104
  Phoenix, AZ 85044
• Website: www.newpointofviewcounseling.com
• Phone: 602-550-5221
• Email: claudette_waite@yahoo.com

Image Credit:
Claudette Waite

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