Claire McDonough

LCSW

New Jersey

Practical, collaborative therapy for real-life problems

Continue with Claire

At a glance

Credentials

LCSW

License

LCSW, New Jersey / 44SC05489900

NPI

1023439783

Experience

21 years

Languages

English

Location

New Jersey

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

1. • Motivational Interviewing informed
   • Skills-focused work
   • Respectful and direct

   About Claire

   Claire McDonough is a licensed clinical social worker with 21 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She uses clear, practical conversations to make therapy feel approachable. Claire listens carefully and treats each person with respect while challenging them to move toward their goals.

   Claire earned a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Work and holds the NJ LCSW credential. She has worked in many mental health settings over two decades. Those roles gave her experience supporting people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, addictions, trauma, grief, and relationship concerns.

   Her clinical work draws on Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. In sessions she combines these approaches to match what a person needs that week. She focuses on concrete skills for managing emotions, improving communication, and breaking unhelpful patterns.

   Parents and caregivers will find a practical style that addresses family and parenting strain without jargon. She also works with people facing identity and intimacy questions, including LGBT and gender dysphoria related concerns. Claire pays special attention to compassion fatigue and first responder stress when those issues arise.

   People who choose Claire can expect a steady, direct therapist who balances listening with gentle challenge. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on the therapist's availability.

2. How Claire’s approaches translate to online work

   Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people find their own reasons to change by exploring ambivalence and building motivation. It is useful for goals like reducing addictive behaviors, increasing healthy routines, or making major life changes.
   
   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It uses practical exercises and homework to reduce anxiety, depression, and unhelpful behavior patterns.
   
   Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. These tools can help when strong emotions, impulsivity, or relationship conflicts get in the way of daily life.
   
   Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to identify what fits a person's needs, goals, and preferences and adjust the plan over time.
   
   Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce commute time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Licensed professionals often use a mix of conversation, skill-building exercises, and brief between-session work to keep progress moving even when meeting remotely.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression

   Also works with

   AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

   Additional focus areas

   Attachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

   Experience

   21+ years

   Listed in

   New Jersey

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What issues does Claire commonly address?

   She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, as well as addictions, trauma, grief, and identity issues such as LGBT and gender dysphoria.

   What is her therapy style like?

   Her style is practical and conversational with a balance of listening and gentle challenge to help people reach their goals.

   How long has she been practicing?

   Claire has 21 years of experience working in a variety of mental health settings.

   What credentials and location does she hold?

   She holds a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Social Work, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey (NJ LCSW).

   Are sessions available in other languages?

   Sessions are offered in English.

   What session formats are offered?

   The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

   How is pricing handled?

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

   How do I get started?

   Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and 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

Back to all therapists