Claire McDonough, LCSW
New Jersey LCSW focused on relationships and coping
- CBT and DBT-informed care
- Relationship and family therapy
- Stress and anxiety support
About Claire McDonough
Claire McDonough holds both a Masters and a Bachelors in Social Work and practices as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey. In her own words she has spent the past 20 years working across a range of mental health settings, developing experience with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder and many other concerns. She has formal training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with additional therapeutic modalities, and applies those tools to help clients navigate emotional and relational challenges.
Recognizing that starting therapy can feel intimidating, she places early emphasis on building trust and creating a respectful space to talk. She combines careful listening with thoughtful challenge, supporting clients as they set and pursue practical goals. Her approach balances empathy and direct work so clients can make measurable progress while feeling heard. Claire genuinely enjoys helping people and aims to offer guidance that meets each person where they are and moves them toward what they want to achieve.
As an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with advanced social work training and clinical experience - she brings professional skill and years of practice to her therapeutic relationships.
Recognizing that starting therapy can feel intimidating, she places early emphasis on building trust and creating a respectful space to talk. She combines careful listening with thoughtful challenge, supporting clients as they set and pursue practical goals. Her approach balances empathy and direct work so clients can make measurable progress while feeling heard. Claire genuinely enjoys helping people and aims to offer guidance that meets each person where they are and moves them toward what they want to achieve.
As an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with advanced social work training and clinical experience - she brings professional skill and years of practice to her therapeutic relationships.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Claire McDonough have?
Claire McDonough has 21 years of experience.
Is Claire McDonough a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LCSW credential. License details: NJ LCSW 44SC05489900.
In which languages does Claire McDonough provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Claire McDonough located?
She is located in New Jersey.
How can I work with Claire McDonough as my therapist?
You can work with Claire McDonough through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Claire McDonough work with international clients?
Claire McDonough does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Claire McDonough cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Claire McDonough integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy into her work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness skills - it can be helpful for people managing intense emotions, relationship conflict, or impulsive behaviors.She also draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy when relationships and attachment patterns are central to the presenting issues. EFT helps partners and family members explore emotional responses and create stronger, more secure connections.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Claire works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best given their needs, goals, and preferences. Licensed professionals can adapt techniques over time so therapy remains practical and relevant.
Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit regular sessions into busy lives. These options allow therapists to meet people where they are, maintain continuity of care, and support progress even when in-person visits are not possible.