About Dr. Veronica Cloonan
Dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and families through specialized therapeutic approaches
Specialties
Dr. Veronica Cloonan has extensive experience and specialized training in working with trauma, particularly complex trauma. Her expertise includes adoption-related challenges, child sexual abuse, and generational trauma. She integrates evidence-based practices with a compassionate approach to support children, families, and adults through their healing journey.
Meet Dr. Cloonan
I was born and raised in Colombia and came to the United States in 2010 to learn English and pursue graduate studies. My personal journey taught me the value of bicultural and multicultural understanding, which I now bring into my clinical work.
I have had the privilege of working with internationally adopted children and non-traditional families, guiding them through the process of building meaningful relationships and navigating acculturation. My commitment is to create a safe, empathetic, and collaborative environment where every individual feels seen and supported.
Dr. Veronica Cloonan
Licensed Professional Counselor & Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor
Training and Education
I am a:
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor (RPT-S™)
Additionally, I am a:
Foundational Theraplay® practitioner
EMDR-trained clinician (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
PCIT Certified clinician (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy)
My academic background includes:
Bachelor's degree in Psychology – CES University, Medellín, Colombia
Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Marymount University
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in Advanced Counseling – University of the Cumberlands
My professional experience spans pediatric services, federal and local government agencies, correctional settings, victim services (crime and sexual assault), and private practice.
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.
Podcast Appearances
Dr. Veronica Cloonan has been featured in various podcasts where she shares her expertise on trauma, adoption, and multicultural counseling. Listen to her insights and learn more about her approach to therapy.
Listen to Dr. Cloonan's Podcast