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I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience helping adults and adolescents navigate emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and periods of feeling stuck or overwhelmed. I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology from The New School and completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology at Barnard College. My clinical training included work at several major New York City hospitals and psychiatric facilities, including Coney Island Hospital, Harlem Hospital, South Beach Psychiatric Center, and Beth Israel Center for Clinical Training and Research, where I worked with individuals facing a wide range of psychological and emotional concerns.

In addition to my clinical work, I am the founder and Clinical Director of a private practice, where I supervise and mentor a diverse team of psychotherapists. My background also includes years of experience in education, community programming, and psychological research, which has shaped my sensitivity to the ways culture, family systems, identity, achievement, and environment impact emotional wellbeing.

Hi, I’m Yitzchok Wagshul. One day, my young grandson asked me what kind of doctor I am. I’m a clinical psychologist, so I replied, “I’m the kind of doctor who helps sad people feel happy.” He looked at me and said, “Zaidy,” (that’s “Grandpa” in Yiddish) "that’s not being a doctor, that’s just being nice!” That’s a cute story, but I want to tell you something: the better part of therapy is “being nice.” I know a lot of psychology. But if I didn’t respect each person I work with, if I didn’t view them with complete acceptance and unconditional positive regard, all of that would be worthless, because no one would listen to me.

What if improving your relationships isn’t starting together, but starting with you? As a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I work with individuals who are curious about their relationship patterns and ready to create meaningful change from the inside out. You may feel stuck in recurring dynamics, find yourself questioning how your family background shapes your relationships, or want to communicate more effectively. Together, we create a space to gain clarity, better understand what’s driving these patterns, and begin making intentional shifts toward healthier, more balanced relationships.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and a strong therapeutic relationship is key to meaningful progress and lasting change. My approach is grounded in a strengths-based, client-centered perspective that supports each person’s capacity for growth and self-understanding. I strive to create a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Whether you are navigating life transitions, managing stress, or seeking greater self-awareness, therapy can provide a space for reflection, healing, and meaningful change.

Reaching out is hard, especially if you've already tried therapy before and it didn't quite get you where you needed to go. I want you to know that doesn't mean something's wrong with you, it usually just means the approach wasn't the right fit. I've spent over a decade working with people carrying trauma and addiction, adults and teens both, and what I care about most is helping you feel truly understood, maybe for the first time, before we even get to the work of healing.

My name is Caitlin Clouse. Licensed Clinical Social Worker is just one of the many titles I carry. First and foremost I am a mom, wife and daughter. Through my own lived experiences—including an estranged relationship with a parent during childhood, as well as experiencing secure attachment within a strong and supportive family system—I witnessed firsthand the impact that difficult and unhealthy relationships can have on an individual’s emotional regulation and overall well-being. I also experienced how supportive relationships and co-regulation within a family system can foster resilience, confidence, and motivation.

These experiences is what led to my decision to attend Adelphi's MSW program. I have always had a passion to work with adolescents to help them feel understood and validated.

I began my career providing in-home support to children and families experiencing crisis. Through this work, I developed a strong foundation in supporting individuals and families through challenging circumstances and transitions. Through my practice in building positive relationships with adolescents, I have been able to assist them in organizing their thoughts and communicating them more effectively to their family and friends. I have been able to see first hand how treating them with dignity and respect allows them to grow their perspectives and become better listeners, which enhanced the family system as whole. No matter the current dynamics of one's family, we all come from one, which is why utilizing Structural Family Therapy and ACT has been helpful in my practice with not just families but individuals as well. Whether you're a parent, daughter, son, brother or sister, I'm here to help.