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Catherine McLaughlin

Catherine McLaughlin

LCSW

New York

Compassionate, direct guidance for life changes

Continue with Catherine

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, New York / 074250
Experience
23 years
Languages
English
Location
New York

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational focus
    • Practical coping
    • Warm directness

    About Catherine

    Catherine McLaughlin is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 23 years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, low self-esteem, relationship and intimacy concerns, and life changes. Her manner blends kindness with directness and a light sense of humor when it fits the moment.

    Catherine uses person-centered methods to meet clients where they are. She draws on Motivational Interviewing to support readiness for change and on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness practices and psychodynamic ideas are part of her toolbox when they serve a client’s goals.

    Her background includes long experience in New York in private practice and teaching, plus work with the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse serving people involved with driving-while-intoxicated cases. That mix informs a practical, real-world approach to concerns about substance use and codependency.

    Sessions focus on clear, achievable steps and on strengthening daily coping. Catherine pays attention to emotions, patterns in relationships, and past experiences that keep problems repeating. She aims to help people gain more control over mood, manage stress, reduce risky behaviors, and rebuild a sense of purpose.

    People who come to her can expect a respectful working relationship that balances empathy with straightforward feedback. Her priority is working collaboratively so clients can take steady steps toward a more manageable, satisfying life.

  2. How her approaches guide online care

    Motivational Interviewing helps people explore their own reasons for change. It uses open questions and reflective listening to build motivation and set small, achievable goals. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s perspective and values, creating space for feelings and choices to emerge without pressure. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect and teaches practical steps to change unhelpful patterns.

    Finding the right mix of these approaches is part of the work. Catherine collaborates with each person to figure out what fits best based on needs, goals, and what feels useful in session. That means testing strategies, adjusting focus, and choosing tools together rather than prescribing one fixed method.

    If you are considering online sessions, confirm the exact session formats before booking because the biography does not list them. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, allow shorter check-in meetings when needed, and let people join without travel. Many find it helps keep momentum between life demands while still using the same conversational and skills-based methods that she uses in person.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression

    Also works with

    Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

    Additional focus areas

    Caregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameLife purposeMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    23+ years

    Listed in

    New York

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Catherine address?

    She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, self-esteem and many mood and relationship issues listed in her profile.

    How would you describe her therapeutic style?

    Her style is kind and empathic yet direct, mixing a straightforward tone with occasional gentle humor as appropriate.

    What is her professional background?

    She has 23 years of clinical experience, including private practice, adjunct teaching, and work with the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

    What credentials and location are listed?

    She holds an LCSW license in New York and is based in New York.

    Which languages are supported and can international clients join?

    Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.

    What session formats are available?

    Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are offered.

    How is cost handled for sessions?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with her?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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Catherine McLaughlin Continue with Catherine