Rachael Woods , LCSW

Rachael Woods is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Alaska with 24 years of professional experience. She has worked with clients across the lifespan and has supported people as they address trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, self-injury, and thoughts of suicide. Her work centers on listening without judgment and helping clients clarify their needs so they can access their own strengths and solutions.

Rachael favors a client-centered approach and frequently uses Motivational Interviewing techniques to encourage change and build momentum. Over more than two decades of practice she has developed a broad therapeutic toolbox, adapting methods to fit the unique circumstances of each person she sees. She approaches counseling as a collaborative process and aims to create a space where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to move forward.

Rachael views the decision to seek support as an important step, and she considers it an honor to accompany clients during this part of their life journey. Her experience and adaptable style are intended to meet a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns with compassion and practical guidance.

Approaches That Guide Online Therapy and Change

Rachael uses client-centered therapy to place the client’s experience at the forefront - this approach involves active, empathetic listening and supports people in identifying their own goals and strengths. It is helpful for building self-awareness, improving relationships, and navigating life transitions.

She also incorporates Motivational Interviewing, a collaborative style that helps people resolve ambivalence and find internal motivation for change. This method is frequently used with concerns like substance use, health behavior changes, and when someone wants to move toward a new goal but feels stuck.

For clients with trauma-related symptoms, Rachael may draw on EMDR principles to address distressing memories and reduce their ongoing impact. EMDR supports processing traumatic experiences and can be an option when trauma is a central concern.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Rachael works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and can adjust over time as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling and access from different locations. These formats allow clients to receive consistent support in ways that fit their daily life while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor care to their situation.