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EM Portrait of Eric McLaughlin

Eric McLaughlin

Calm-focused, goal-oriented clinical social worker

LCSW California

Experience
6 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English

About Eric

Eric McLaughlin is a licensed clinical social worker in California who supports people wrestling with stress, anxiety, addictions, LGBTQ concerns, family challenges, and trauma and abuse.

Background and approach

He frames therapy around clear goals and practical steps, helping clients identify what matters most and build a plan to move toward those aims. His practice emphasizes active problem solving alongside cognitive tools to reduce distress and increase coping skills.

McLaughlin blends cognitive behavioral techniques with acceptance-based and attachment-informed perspectives, and he often integrates mindfulness and motivational strategies to help clients stay engaged in change. With six years of clinical experience as an LCSW, he draws on a range of methods to tailor sessions to each person’s needs while keeping work focused and outcome-oriented.

He offers help for issues such as substance use, family of origin problems, communication and codependency concerns, guilt and shame, and questions around sexuality and life purpose. Sessions are offered in English and accommodate different communication preferences, with options that include video, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging.

Eric aims to collaborate with clients so progress feels measurable and aligned with their values.

Online approaches that combine skills and values

Eric uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; this approach focuses on concrete skills and exercises that address anxiety, stress, and patterns that maintain substance use or relationship difficulties. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is used to clarify personal values and build psychological flexibility, which can be helpful when facing trauma, guilt, or persistent worries. Attachment-Based Therapy explores relational patterns and early bonds to improve communication and reduce codependency and family-of-origin distress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He works with each person to assess concerns, goals, and preferences and will adapt methods over time so therapy remains aligned with what the client needs and hopes to achieve.

Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, online work provides flexibility for people with varying schedules and locations within California. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills between sessions, and access support in ways that fit day-to-day life while staying connected to a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Eric commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, LGBTQ concerns, family issues, and trauma and abuse, as well as related topics like attachment, codependency, and life purpose.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is solution-directed and goal-focused, combining cognitive behavioral techniques with acceptance and attachment perspectives to create practical plans for change.
What is his clinical experience?
He has six years of clinical experience practicing as a licensed social worker and uses that background to inform a pragmatic, skills-based practice.
What credentials and where is he based?
He holds the credential LCSW and practices in California; the license number is CA LCSW 129948 as provided.
Does he work in languages other than English or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Clients can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How are fees and payment organized?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that may be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesGuilt and shameLife purposePost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSexuality

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English