"I love the work I do and I feel such gratitude to be deeply invited to join people on their journey to becoming better selves."
- Dr. Sharon Clayman
Testimonials
testimonials
Share your experience! Your Feedback is Truly Valuable to Me.
- Cheshire, CT
- (203) 314-4355
- [email protected]
- Monday - Friday: 8am to 6pm
I have been working with Sharon for over 3 years. I originally went to see her for help in dealing with the death of my son. She was very supportive and compassionate, and quickly gained my trust. We also started dealing with issues that have been following me for most of my life. I had been doing therapy for years and although they had been helpful, they were not getting to the core of negative thoughts I have lived with since I was a very young child. Sharon was always tuned into making me feel safe and trusted and important enough to finally help me share some of my inner most feelings. With many hours of really intense and hard work with Sharon, I was able to make a huge breakthrough in my therapy after many years! She never gave up on me and I finally believed that “ It Was Not My Fault “. After years of blaming ,shaming and believing it was. Although I know that I still have work to do, I couldn’t imagine doing it without Sharon’s support.
I have been working with Dr. Clayman for many years now as my therapist. She is wise, calm, personable, empathic, patient and deeply observant. I find her mix of talk therapy and EMDR to have had truly concrete results with my anxiety and my PTSD in ways I didn't think possible. Lifelong triggers and anxieties have faded, and I've been able to fill their place with more calm and happiness. She is not a therapist who simply listens and tells you you are doing amazing and 'see you next week'. She finds ways to ease you into shining gentle light into your uncomfortable places until they are no longer taking up anxiety space in your mind, heart and body. I am particularly fond of her integration both body and mind into her treatment, so that the changes you make are integrated into your whole self, rather than simply intellectualized, which cannot lead to true, deep, long term change and happiness.
I, Donna Maria, am 69-years-old. I came to Doctor Sharon Clayman September, 2017. I was highly suicidal and having 4-5 severe panic attacks a day. I was taking 4-5 Xanax a day. Most people thought I would get addicted to Xanax or kill myself. they put me on psychiatric medicine which didn't help me at all. I had all the side effects but I felt worse than ever. Finally, for the first time in my life, a nurse practitioner diagnosed me properly with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He said I needed an EMDR therapist and gave me a list of therapists to choose from. I saw Doctor Sharon Clayman's face and smile, said a prayer, and went. I didn't know if EMDR would help, but I had reached the end of my rope. I didn't have the strength to go on anymore. I said, 'I can always kill myself, but let me try one more therapist'. Doctor Sharon Clayman also diagnosed me with a Dissociative Disorder. Come to find out, I have Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It has taken almost four years of coming to therapy every week to finally feel connected, real, and a loveable adult. I am on natural anti-anxiety medicine and I only take 1-2 Xanax a week, at most. At almost 70 I realize I still have a lot of work to do in learning skills that I should have learned as a child and young adult, but I now understand how damaged I was and with no one to help me properly I could not develop. So I will continue to take baby steps in my recovery. EMDR I know is what helped me to get better. I would have never reached this level of recovery without it. I recommend EMDR and the book Every Memory Deserves Respect to everyone. I wish I had this treatment in my 20's, but I am happy to feel better now. I enjoy now feeling alive, together, loveable, and a real adult human being.
After a decade of going to therapists that were not a good match for me, I found Dr. Clayman and discovered what a true working relationship is. Her professionalism and experience with EMDR therapy is unmatched and is paired with a genuine empathy, kindness and concern for her patients. Her unwavering support guides me through my hardships while also challenging me to become the best version of myself.
I appreciate all you have done for me. You help me process so much and I feel you provide a safe environment to do so. You help me see the things I don’t give myself credit for. Your genuine compassion for me to work through my emotions is very much needed to be a great therapist. Even after I hadn’t seen you in a few years you welcomed me back. Thank you for all your help! I highly recommend you.. and I love that you're a fellow yogi.
Well, I moved to Connecticut for life-saving medical treatments, but I stayed for Dr. Sharon Clayman, the best, most capable, effective, and warmest therapist that I have ever had in my life. Dr. Clayman will restore your faith in therapy, in doctors, in people in general, and in yourself. It is just so rare to find someone—especially a doctor—with such expertise and such approachability combined so seamlessly. Despite her extensive wealth of knowledge on the brain, trauma, the somatic experience, EMDR, and various modalities of therapy, she remains exquisitely human and down-to-Earth. She is an excellent listener, which I’ve learned is a necessary quality in even the most qualified of therapists. Dr. Clayman will remember the most sensitive of details that you’ve confided in her, and she will respond promptly and effectively to emergencies between sessions. On top of all this, she is effective! I have processed and let go of things in therapy with Dr. Clayman that I have spent anywhere between decades to a lifetime working on unsuccessfully with even the nicest of therapists previously. Her sessions are tailored to what you need as the client based on a host of various effective modalities of therapy. She will read books with you, listen to songs that you think are important, do yoga with you, and put you back in your body with the utmost of care when you’ve been disconnected from yourself for even many many years. Plus she speaks French and Spanish, so that when I’ve lost the words in English, she has understood. Speaking personally as a non-binary person, I can tell you that Dr. Clayman is LGBTQQIP2SAA+/LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA+ aligned—(and not like in that weird smile-at-you-like-you’re-a-rare-and-colorful-insect kind of way)—She is truly sensitive and compassionate. Basically whatever kind of underdog you are, she will have your back and go to bat for you. Dr. Clayman doesn’t discriminate against bottom-of-the-barrel insurance either; she’s the real deal. She takes fancy insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Her heart is in it for the right reasons. I think she’s just one of those rare and beautiful human beings who happens to be as warm as she is smart with a lot to share. If I could give her 6 stars, I would. Highly recommended.
There are not enough words to express my gratitude for Sharon Clayman! Her kind-hearted ways, energetic personality and ability to bring out the best in me through EMDR are just a few things that make Sharon the individual to seek out for your therapy needs. My mental health struggles started at age 10. After numerous diagnoses, countless and non successful med attempts as well as dealing with a past that haunted me I found EMDR with Sharon and what a relief that was!
Together, through EMDR, Sharon and I began processing things from my past. With Sharon's laid back friendly mannerisms I have now found peace, a sense of well-being and a lust for life instead of living in the past and constantly struggling with the will to live!
The Ballad of Sharon Clayman
“She always greets people with a smile
Welcoming them to her office
Yes, She’s a PsyD helping everyone she sees
Her waiting room is warm and cozy
With beautiful paintings on the wall
(and a small bathroom down the hall)
Sharon is a doctor, a counselor, a friend
To all who need one…
On vacation she flies to the Carribean
Lying under the warm sun, swimming and having fun
If you need help she’s the one
For Sharon Clayman really gets things done
Make an appointment and see her right away
Don’t hesitate or wait another day
Dr. Clayman’s the one after all is said and done
She shops in boutiques, she’s very unique Buying clothes and high heel boots
Yeah, she gets the deals, retail therapy heals
Sharon Clayman really gets things done
When all is said and done, she’s the one”
Tony Yuskis 2022
I began working with Sharon in November 2022. Prior to meeting with Sharon, I had some knowledge of EMDR therapy as its most beneficial and effect for trauma, especially when working with veterans. I have never tried EMDR therapy, but I attempted art therapy, and basic clinical therapy, but did not receive the results I was looking for. I really wanted to dive deeper into my childhood sexual trauma that continued to trigger me when I least expected it, especially, when I noticed a continuous pattern in my relationships.
When I first met Sharon, I have to say, she is contagiously vivacious. Sharon is personable, kind, GENUINE, and understanding. In my opinion, Sharon is very easy to open up too. Sharon has been excellent to work with and I have disclosed details of my life that I have never shared before, which shows how much I trust her in her safe space. My favorite part is when she brings Max, her fur baby to our sessions. She knows I encourage his attendance 🙂
EMDR truly fascinates me. I can recall one particular session that really stood out for me. I grew the courage to participate in a 90-minute session (I typically utilize 60 minutes) and I was ASTONISHED. We dove into my sexual trauma and my body literally stored memories of the incident that were never released. I was holding onto this trauma for over 20 years! My bodies recall in memory, the physical release (shaking, trembling), and the heavy emotional piece is slowly being released, all while in the safe space and actively present with Sharon. It really fascinates me how much our body holds onto, even when you feel like you have mentally processed and healed from a situation. The truth of the matter is, my body hasn't, and that's where my anxiety and barriers stem from. That piece alone has been one of my biggest take a ways from EMDR.
EMDR is a technique I would definitely recommend to others, even if you haven't experienced something severe. ALL trauma is heavy and it takes many forms. Trauma does not discriminate and it is debilitating. Never minimize your trauma. Since I have started EMDR, I am making slow progress. I am learning new things about myself. The work is difficult, but it gets a little lighter after every session and thankfully, I am never alone. I am constantly supported in my sessions and when me fears arise, we work through it together reminding myself the event has passed, I am in a safe space, and it is over. Every time I leave a session, I need time to mentally recoup or continue to cry and release the trauma holding me back. The releasing of your trauma does not stop once you leave Sharon's office, but Sharon always reinforces that she will NOT let you leave unless I feel okay and in a mentally safe head space to leave. Sharon is authentic and as mentioned before, very genuine and considerate. I can tell she enjoys helping others as I never feel like a burden to her.
If you're considering trying EMDR, Sharon offers a free 15-minute consultation to make sure she's a good fit for what you're seeking. When you're ready to put in the emotional work, give her a call, you'll be glad you did.
My mental health journey with Dr. Clayman started after seeing numerous doctors over a twenty-year period. During a session with a psychologist who had knowledge of my trauma- based history, I was asked if I would be interested in trying EMDR therapy and recommended Dr. Clayman. I said yes with hope and curiosity knowing what I had been doing wasn't working anymore. I have now been a patient of Dr. Clayman for over 6 years and her expertise with EMDR, talk therapy and the use of diagnostic tools, has opened the door to my healing and
recovery. She provides me with a safe and controlled environment to address my issues openly and honestly. By working with her, I have gained a sense of clarity about the "who, what and why's" in my life and have been given the tools I need to recognize and maneuver through
potential triggers and unforeseen situations. When I reflect on the past six years and our work together, my first and foremost wish is that I had found Dr. Clayman sooner as I acknowledge
with a deep appreciation the unconditional compassion, understanding, support and direction she has and continues to give me.
I have suffered from depression and anxiety since childhood. Throughout the years I have seen several therapists and have also tried antidepressants. Although I experienced occasional relief it was always a short-lived band aide to my suffering. Working with Sharon, however, has been a different story. Sharon has guided me through a process in which I have become aware that I have spent an enormous amount of time in a dissociative state while at the same time functioning as an adult, but with limited capacity. She has helped me unearth my deeply hidden younger, inner selves who were abused victims while also being protectors of my adult self, helping to keep me safe from horrible truths of my childhood. Through EMDR, and other therapeutic approaches, Sharon is compassionately helping me integrate my past with my present, my younger selves with my adult self. To my amazement, I am now finally feeling safe enough that I am beginning to experience physical and visual flashbacks of my most painful childhood trauma along with profound feelings of blocked areas melting inside of me and my younger selves happy and smiling rather than sad and scared. I am more grateful to Sharon than I can ever say. She has been present, kind, and patient, allowing me the time I have needed to peel away the endless layers to emotionally access my deepest, most feared trauma. Now that I am beginning to viscerally reexperience these memories, I feel as if I’m being released from prison and am beginning to feel at peace with myself and have a feeling of control for the first time in my life.
Dr Clayman has been my therapist for nearly 4 years, and I’m convinced I was
really lucky to get a spot in her practice.
We have met weekly, every other week, in person, and via telehealth (virtual
meetings). She provides a lot of flexibility in scheduling appointments. The virtual
appointments are really helpful for me due to mobility challenges. In addition to
one on one sessions, I was a member of a group that she ran.
Our sessions have included a combination of EMDR and more unstructured
conversation: sometimes all one or the other, sometimes part of the time for
each. As topics continue to emerge that will benefit from EMDR specifically, we
continue to dedicate all or part of sessions to that process.
My experience with EMDR is that it has really changed the way I see and interact
with the world. It has helped me find solutions to recent traumatic events that
absolutely drove my life right off track. But also, I think of the therapy space with
EMDR as a place I can go to resolve and understand past experiences. Without
being didactic, Dr Clayman’s use of EMDR techniques illustrate how past
experiences continue to shape reactions to people right now, as well as helping
me understand what happened way back then. Getting clarity about how the past
is shaping my present is tremendously helpful.
Sometimes—often--it’s not easy to look at past trauma, as may happen in an
EMDR session. But Dr Clayman is astute and perceptive—she’s very good at
knowing how far to push, and when to back off. Those skills are invaluable in all
kinds of therapy, as is the compassion she brings to our relationship. I really feel
that I can trust her, and I do not feel like I’m being held in judgment.
To anyone looking for a caring, compassionate and empathetic therapist. I have been coming to Dr. Sharon Clayman for several years and she has helped me tremendously. I’m someone who resisted feeling my feelings and Sharon has been a godsend in giving me a safe place to
feel them all. She helps me see what I’m doing right and she always uses my own words to help me see a little clearer. I have felt very cloudy in my thoughts and some of my talk was always unsure or maybe’s and full of doubts. Feeling the feels is necessary to move pent up past experiences that never got processed, which leads to triggers and protective responses. EMDR helps change past traumatic experiences with bilateral eye movement or tapping as we move
through the emotional pain. I’ve been learning about EMDR with Self help books and teachers. I’m a yoga teacher and her therapy goes perfectly with my own tools I use. If you’re someone who wants to learn how to love themselves more, Sharon would be a good fit. I also love the
somatic part of her therapy, because physical movement also helps process and move the stagnation that gets stored in our bodies. If I’ve had an especially emotional session she always leads me back in my body so I’m stable before I leave. I have much love and admiration for her skills as a therapist and mentor. I highly recommend Dr Sharon Clayman.
I started seeing Sharon Clayman about a year ago after my wife passed away I was not sure what to expect from therapy, but felt comfortable right away to talk about topics which I had kept inside for many years. I see Sharon every couple of weeks in her new very soothing office which is very conducive to free flowing conversation.
