Claire McDonough , LCSW

Claire McDonough brings more than 21 years of experience in mental health and holds both a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in social work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - practicing in New Jersey. Her clinical background spans a variety of mental health settings, and she has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and several other therapeutic approaches. Over the years she has worked with individuals confronting depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and many other concerns.

Claire understands that beginning therapy can feel intimidating, so she places a strong emphasis on building trust from the start. She listens carefully, treats people with respect, and pairs empathic support with thoughtful challenge to help clients move toward their goals. Her approach blends practical strategies with an appreciation for each person's unique story, and she adapts interventions to fit individual needs and circumstances.

She finds deep professional fulfillment in helping others and aims to create a collaborative, goal-driven partnership where clients can explore change at a steady, sustainable pace.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Claire McDonough uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT focuses on practical skills that can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and support clearer problem solving.

She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is particularly useful for people who experience intense emotions, impulsivity, or difficulty with relationships and coping under pressure.

Selection of the right approach is a collaborative process. Claire will work with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and together they will decide which methods and techniques are likely to be the best fit. This collaborative planning helps shape focused, meaningful work in sessions.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - provide flexibility and greater access to consistent care. These formats can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain momentum during transitions, and stay connected with a licensed professional from a variety of locations.