Rachael McKinnon, LMSW
LMSW supporting healing and growth
- Evidence-based approaches
- Trauma and addiction care
- Relationship and family focus
About Rachael McKinnon
Rachael McKinnon is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) and psychotherapist based in Michigan with 14 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing a wide range of concerns, from anxiety and depression to addictions, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and grief, and mood disorders such as bipolar. Her practice also addresses issues like sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, and the complex effects of life transitions.
Rachael combines compassion with a nonjudgmental, collaborative stance, creating a therapeutic environment focused on practical skill building and emotional understanding. She draws on evidence-based methods, including cognitive behavioral strategies and dialectical behavioral techniques, and integrates trauma-informed perspectives and internal systems work when helpful. This flexible approach supports clients in processing unresolved experiences, updating unhelpful thinking patterns, and building new habits that align with their values.
Her work emphasizes strengthening self-worth, improving communication, and increasing coping capacity so clients can move toward greater independence and healthier interdependence. Rachael’s counseling style is warm, motivational, and interactive, centering each person’s unique goals and life context. She partners with clients to develop tailored plans that target meaningful, sustainable change without insisting on a single path forward.
Rachael combines compassion with a nonjudgmental, collaborative stance, creating a therapeutic environment focused on practical skill building and emotional understanding. She draws on evidence-based methods, including cognitive behavioral strategies and dialectical behavioral techniques, and integrates trauma-informed perspectives and internal systems work when helpful. This flexible approach supports clients in processing unresolved experiences, updating unhelpful thinking patterns, and building new habits that align with their values.
Her work emphasizes strengthening self-worth, improving communication, and increasing coping capacity so clients can move toward greater independence and healthier interdependence. Rachael’s counseling style is warm, motivational, and interactive, centering each person’s unique goals and life context. She partners with clients to develop tailored plans that target meaningful, sustainable change without insisting on a single path forward.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Rachael McKinnon have?
Rachael McKinnon has 14 years of clinical experience.
Is Rachael McKinnon a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LMSW credential, which stands for Licensed Master’s Social Worker. License details are MI LMSW 6801091574.
In which languages does Rachael McKinnon provide therapy?
Rachael provides therapy in English.
Where is Rachael McKinnon located?
Rachael McKinnon is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Rachael McKinnon as my therapist?
You can work with Rachael McKinnon through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Rachael McKinnon work with international clients?
Rachael McKinnon does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Rachael McKinnon cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your 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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approach-Focused Online Therapy for Practical Change
Rachael often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients clarify what matters most to them and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. ACT combines acceptance strategies with behavior change techniques to support living a values-driven life.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another core approach in her work. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood concerns while building concrete coping skills.
Mindfulness-based techniques are woven into sessions to strengthen present-moment awareness, emotion regulation, and stress reduction. These practices can be especially useful for managing reactivity, improving sleep, and supporting recovery from trauma or addiction.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Rachael collaborates with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and then tailors methods so therapy feels relevant and achievable. This collaborative process helps determine which combination of strategies will best support progress.
Online sessions - whether by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging - offer flexibility for people with busy schedules, mobility limits, or caregiving responsibilities. They allow licensed professionals to deliver consistent, skill-focused work across distance while making it easier to access therapy from everyday life.