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CM Portrait of Claire McDonough

Claire McDonough

Compassionate, experienced LCSW focused on practical change

LCSW New Jersey

Experience
21 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Languages
English
Continue with Claire

About Claire

Claire McDonough is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New Jersey with more than two decades of experience in mental health care.

Background and approach

She draws on training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with other modalities, to help people manage concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and addiction. Her background spans a variety of clinical settings, which informs a practical, skills-oriented approach to treatment.

McDonough emphasizes building a collaborative relationship from the outset, creating a space where clients are listened to and treated with respect while being gently challenged to grow. She works with issues that include relationship and family dynamics, parenting stress, grief, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related difficulties, and compassion fatigue, among others.

Her additional interests include attachment and family-of-origin matters, communication and commitment concerns, and support for gender dysphoria and LGBT issues. Therapy with her often combines structured techniques and mindfulness practices alongside motivational interviewing and emotionally-focused insights to help clients develop coping strategies and clearer perspectives.

She aims to tailor interventions to each person’s goals and circumstances, supporting practical change and improved coping over time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors to reduce distress and improve daily functioning; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help with strong emotions, impulsivity, and relationship struggles. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on understanding and reshaping emotional responses in relationships to improve connection and attachment.

Deciding which approach fits best is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to explore goals, preferences, and challenges, and then adapt interventions from these approaches to match what the client needs and wants to work on.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexible options for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to attend regularly, try shorter check-ins or more in-depth conversations, and maintain continuity of care when life gets busy or circumstances change.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this clinician commonly address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy-related problems, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach combines active listening with practical strategies; she respects clients while offering gentle challenges to promote growth and skill-building.
What sort of clinical background and experience does she bring?
She has 21 years of experience working across diverse mental health settings and has training in several modalities including CBT and DBT.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New Jersey with license number NJ LCSW 44SC05489900.
Can clients work with her in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English; she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for therapy?
She offers multiple formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How is cost handled for sessions with this therapist?
Cost varies based on location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-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 approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

21+ years

Licensed

New Jersey

Languages

English