Claire McDonough, LCSW

Licensed LCSW focused on trust and progress

CBT and DBT trained
Works with mood disorders
Trust focused care

About Claire McDonough

Claire McDonough holds both a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Work and practices as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey. She has worked for roughly two decades in a variety of mental health settings, gaining experience across clinical environments and client populations. Claire has formal training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with exposure to several other therapeutic modalities, and she has supported people coping with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and many other concerns.

Claire approaches therapy with awareness that reaching out for help can feel intimidating. From the start she prioritizes building trust, taking time to listen and to treat each person with respect while also offering gentle challenges that support progress toward goals. She enjoys helping people navigate change and aims to create an environment where clients feel heard and encouraged to move forward.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression

Also Specializes In

AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

Attachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Claire McDonough have?

Claire McDonough has 21 years of experience.

Is Claire McDonough a licensed therapist?

Yes. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW. License details: NJ LCSW 44SC05489900.

In which languages does Claire McDonough provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Claire McDonough located?

She is located in New Jersey.

How can I work with Claire McDonough as my therapist?

Clients can work with Claire McDonough through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Claire McDonough work with international clients?

Claire McDonough does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Claire McDonough cost?

Fees can vary depending on factors such as location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is straightforward. Clients click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match them with their therapist. Depending on availability, they can then schedule a first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps clients identify how thoughts and behaviors interact and provides practical strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other common challenges. By working on thought patterns and behavioral experiments, clients learn skills they can apply day to day.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes skill-building in areas such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This approach is useful for managing intense emotions, improving coping strategies, and strengthening relationships.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy, or EFT, centers on emotions and attachment needs within relationships. It helps people and couples understand emotional responses, improve communication, and repair connection where bonds have been strained.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Claire McDonough works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She integrates techniques as appropriate and adapts the work over time to reflect progress and changing priorities.

Online therapy offers flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and other commitments, and they allow clients to engage in therapy from familiar settings while maintaining regular contact with licensed professionals and therapists.

Ready to start therapy with Claire McDonough?

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