Claire McDonoughLCSW

Claire McDonough is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey with 21 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, or major life changes. Claire also supports people facing relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting strain, grief, trauma, and issues linked to ADHD and bipolar mood patterns.

She works in a direct, respectful way and places early emphasis on building trust. Sessions are a mix of listening and practical steps - Claire listens first, then offers tools and gentle challenges to help people reach their goals. She uses methods drawn from cognitive behavioral work as well as mindfulness and emotion-focused ideas.

Her background includes work across a range of mental health settings over two decades. That experience informs how she adapts strategies to different situations, whether the main concern is compulsive behavior, addiction, caregiver stress, or feeling stuck after a loss. Claire also addresses attachment concerns, family-of-origin issues, communication problems, and forgiveness work.

People can expect clear, down-to-earth guidance that connects to everyday life. She explains therapeutic options and helps choose approaches that fit personal needs and goals. The focus is on practical change and clearer thinking, alongside attention to feelings and relationships.

If you prefer English language sessions and are located in New Jersey, Claire offers a structured intake to match needs and plan next steps.

Therapeutic approaches for remote care and practical tools

Claire uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can ease anxiety, low mood, and daily stress. She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach skills for tolerating distress, managing intense emotions, and improving how people regulate reactions.

Deciding which approach to use is collaborative. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, and then try methods that fit those needs. Sessions often mix skills practice, problem-solving, and emotional work so people can try tools between meetings and report back.

Session format details are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time and allowing shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help people maintain consistency during life changes and keep work and care responsibilities on track while continuing therapeutic progress.