Her Jewish parents were Ilona (born Lusztig) and her husband Adolf Adam Lazar, a well respected wholesale grocer.

She was then appointed to the Apponyi Clinic in Budapest under the direction of psychologist Dr Pal Ranschburg, working as a neurologist while simultaneously commencing psychoanalytic training.

She lectured to parents and teachers about child development in partnership with senior members of the Hungarian Psychoanalytical Society.

While the Melbourne Institute of Psychoanalysis was formally launched on 11 October 1940, it finally opened its doors for business on 15 January 1941.

In its first annual report (1941)Geroe listed patient referrals and treatment, the work of the Children's Clinic, and her public education activities.

As a refugee doctor Clara Geroe was not able to gain registration to practice unless she studied the final three years of an Australian Medical Degree.

[2] Echoing her experience in Budapest, Geroe provided lectures to the public:teachers, parents, kindergarten teaching students and educationists and officers of the children's court, among them.