Claire McDonough , LCSW

Claire McDonough holds both a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New Jersey. With 21 years of experience across a range of mental health settings, she brings seasoned clinical judgment and practical techniques to help clients facing emotional and behavioral challenges.

She has formal training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with additional therapeutic modalities that inform her work. Over the years she has supported people dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder and related concerns, applying evidence-informed strategies tailored to each person’s circumstances.

Claire emphasizes building trust from the start, recognizing that beginning therapy can feel intimidating. She listens attentively, treats clients with respect, and combines empathetic support with constructive challenge to help people move toward their goals. A committed practitioner, she finds professional fulfillment in helping others build coping skills, improve relationships, and navigate life’s transitions.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Claire McDonough draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; this approach is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with everyday stress. She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be helpful for intense emotions and relationship challenges. In addition, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) informs her work with couples and attachment-related concerns, focusing on emotions and connection to strengthen bonds and resolve conflict.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Claire works with clients and licensed professionals to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and together they determine which methods fit best and how to adapt them for online work.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and some work can continue through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier for people to access therapists, coordinate care around busy schedules, and maintain continuity of support when in-person visits are not feasible.