Dr. Claire Noonan grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated with honors from Barnard College. After teaching children in France, she went on to pursue graduate training in psychology, earning her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and her doctorate from Tulane University. Early in her training, she developed a deep commitment to infant and early childhood mental health, which has remained the focus of her career. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Denver and her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado.

For more than ten years, Dr. Noonan has supported young children and families in a range of settings, including community mental health, children’s hospitals, pediatric primary care, and early childhood education. In 2025, she moved from Denver to the Triangle area and is pleased to be part of the Peak City Psychology community. She works primarily with infants through young children and their caregivers, helping address emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. Dr. Noonan has extensive experience supporting families through trauma, stress, and life transitions, and she specializes in helping families navigate adoption in all its forms and the loss of a loved one.

Dr. Noonan’s work is grounded in attachment, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based approaches. She draws from evidence-based treatments including Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Circle of Security, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

Caregiver involvement is at the heart of her work. She partners closely with parents and caregivers, creating space for reflection and support so they can feel more confident and connected in caring for their children. She often sees caregivers and children together, using play to nurture communication, strengthen relationships, and support growth.

Dr. Noonan is devoted to creating a space where all are welcome, valued, and affirmed. She approaches therapy with warmth, empathy, and a nonjudgmental presence. Her goal is to build genuine, trusting relationships with families so they feel safe, supported, and truly understood as they move through challenges and healing together.