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LCSW

Claire McDonough, LCSW

  • Experience21 years
  • LocationNew Jersey
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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About Claire

Claire McDonough is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 21 years of experience offering practical, evidence-informed care.

Background and approach

She draws on training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, among other modalities, to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, and a wide range of relationship and identity issues.

Her background includes work across diverse mental health settings in New Jersey, where she has supported clients dealing with trauma, grief, addictions, and compassion fatigue. She focuses on building trust early in the process, combining attentive listening with respectful challenge to help clients clarify goals and develop new skills.

Her practice addresses intimacy and communication problems, self-esteem and career concerns, parenting and family dynamics, and complex topics like gender dysphoria, attachment issues, and impulsivity. McDonough emphasizes collaboration, using structured therapies and mindfulness-based techniques alongside motivational interviewing when appropriate.

Sessions are offered through multiple remote formats to fit different needs, and she aims to create a balanced environment that encourages growth while honoring each person’s pace and experience.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured approach that helps identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replaces them with practical strategies for coping and symptom reduction; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, making it useful for mood instability, impulsivity, and relationship difficulties. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and acceptance techniques that can reduce reactivity and support long-term stress management.

Choosing the right method is a collaborative process. The therapist works with clients to evaluate symptoms, personal goals, and day-to-day realities, then tailors a mix of approaches that fit each person’s preferences and circumstances. Treatment plans are adjusted over time to reflect progress and changing needs.

Online sessions using video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging provide flexibility for people with busy schedules or geographic constraints. These formats allow consistent access to licensed professionals, make it easier to practice skills between sessions, and offer multiple ways to stay connected to care when in-person meetings are not feasible.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Claire commonly work with?
She addresses a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, relationship and family problems, trauma and grief, addictions, and concerns related to identity and intimacy.
What therapeutic style does she use?
Her approach combines cognitive behavioral techniques and dialectical behavior strategies with mindfulness and motivational interviewing, adapting methods to match each client's needs and goals.
How long has she practiced?
She brings 21 years of clinical experience working in various mental health settings in New Jersey.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is an LCSW licensed in New Jersey with license number NJ LCSW 44SC05489900 and practices from that state.
Does she provide services in other languages or internationally?
She conducts sessions in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are sessions billed or priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working with her?
Prospective clients should click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's 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

What Claire can help with

Claire McDonough works with clients on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and depression.

Claire works with individuals with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar.

How Claire approaches therapy

Claire's clinical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Claire is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in New Jersey.