Dr. Veronica Cloonan was born and raised in Colombia. She came to the United States in 2010 to learn English and pursue graduate school. Dr. Cloonan learned the importance of developing her bicultural skills to better support clients from a multicultural approach. She also has extensive experience working with internationally adopted children and non-conventional families through the journey of establishing a cohesive working relationship and the acculturation process.

Training and Education

Dr. Veronica Cloonan is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), licensed professional counselor in Maryland, Virginia, Arizona, and Utah, Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor (RPT-S™), and Foundational Theraplay® practitioner.  Dr. Cloonan is also an EMDR-trained clinician and PCIT clinician in training. Dr. Cloonan received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from CES University in Medellin-Colombia, a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in advanced counseling from the University of the Cumberlands.

Dr. Cloonan has extensive training and experience in child, adolescent, and family therapy. She has experience working in federal agencies, local county agencies, correctional settings, victims of crime and sexual assault, and private practice. Veronica is also doing the Theraplay practicum to become a foundational practitioner.

Therapeutic Approach

Dr. Cloonan provides trauma-informed and LGBTQQIP2SAA Affirming talk and play therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families at Creative Psychological Health Services. She believes every client has the inner ability to heal in an appropriate environment. Her therapeutic approach is humanistic and client-centered. Dr. Cloonan believes that supporting her clients toward a more congruent and authentic lifestyle would lead to healing and well-being.

Publications

Branco, S. F., & Cloonan, V. (2022). False Narratives: Illicit Practices in Colombian Transnational Adoption. Genealogy, 6(4), 80. https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy6040080

Cloonan, V., Hatfield, T., Branco, S., & Dean, L. (2023). The Racial and Ethnic Identity Development Process for Adult Colombian Adoptees. Genealogy, 7(2), 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy7020035

Cloonan, V., Hatfield, T., Branco, S., & Dean, L. (In Progress). The  Racial and Ethnic Identity Development Model for Adult Colombian Adoptees. 

Dr. Cloonan provides teletherapy services only.