Profile / United States
Claire McDonough, LCSW
New Jersey
LCSW - Anxiety and relationship concerns
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Mindfulness practice
About Claire
Claire McDonough is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey with 21 years of experience. She works with people who are managing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, parenting challenges, addiction, trauma, grief, and other life changes.
She uses practical, evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy alongside approaches like Emotionally-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. Sessions focus on noticing unhelpful thoughts and habits, trying new ways of responding, and practicing skills between meetings.
Claire has worked across a range of mental health settings and with many common diagnoses including ADHD and bipolar disorder. That experience informs a straightforward style: she listens, asks direct questions, and offers concrete tools to practice. She also addresses issues such as attachment, communication problems, caregiver stress, and first responder concerns.
In sessions she balances listening with challenge. That means identifying patterns that get in the way and testing small changes. Treatment often includes skill practice, thought tracking, and goal-focused steps to support everyday functioning.
People who reach out can expect clear explanations of techniques and simple exercises to try between appointments. To start, prospective clients complete a short questionnaire and schedule a first session so goals and plans can be discussed.
How Claire uses CBT, DBT, and EFT in online work
Claire uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking and acting. CBT sessions often include thought records, behavioral experiments, and homework to practice skills between meetings.She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy when emotions are intense and regulation skills are needed. DBT focuses on distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and practical skills for responding to strong feelings. Emotionally-Focused Therapy is used when relationship patterns and attachment concerns are central; it helps name interaction cycles and try new ways of connecting.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Claire collaborates with each person to match methods to their goals, needs, and preferences rather than applying one fixed model. Together they decide which techniques to try and how to track progress.
Session formats are not listed in the original biography, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, online appointments can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten travel time, allow brief check-ins when needed, or reduce the need to be on camera. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and worksheets for remote use so practical, skills-based work continues outside the appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, parenting, addictions, trauma, grief, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and related issues.
How would she describe her therapeutic approach?
She uses practical methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, plus mindfulness, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and motivational interviewing to teach skills and change unhelpful patterns.
How much experience does she have?
She has 21 years of experience working in a variety of mental health settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker registered in New Jersey and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to discuss goals and next steps.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.