Therapy that’s warm, honest, and actually helpful.
ABOUT RACHEL MCDONOUGH, LCSW
If you have anxiety, overthink, or often try to please others, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m Rachel McDonough, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Ridgewood, NJ, and I specialize in helping teens and adults move from feeling overwhelmed to more grounded, confident, and connected.
I keep things real—showing up with honesty, kindness, and a little humor to help you feel at ease.
I show up as a real person in the room with you. I bring honesty, empathy, and a touch of humor—especially when the work feels heavy.
Therapy with me is a space where you can feel supported, understood, and gently challenged—so you can worry less and live more.
How I work.
You’ve probably already tried a lot—
meditation apps, venting to friends, journaling, overthinking, binge-watching—hoping something would finally help you feel better.
And yet… you still feel stuck.
That’s where I come in.
My approach combines two essential pieces:
✓ Understanding why you feel the way you do
✓ Learning what to do when anxiety shows up
It’s a balance of deep insight and real-life tools you can actually use.
I’m Not Just a Passive Listener
You won’t find me quietly nodding in the corner.
I’m an active therapist who offers honest feedback, gently challenges unhelpful patterns, and helps you build practical strategies that work in your everyday life.
So, What Does That Look Like in a Session?
It looks like real conversations—
in a space where you feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.
If you’re looking for thoughtful reflection and concrete steps forward, you’re in the right place.
My Therapy Style Is Balanced
✓ Insight into the patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back
✓ Coping skills that help you navigate life in the here and now
Together, we’ll explore the thoughts, emotions, and habits that keep you feeling stuck—while building new ways of responding that help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control
Our work together will be…
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We’ll focus on what matters most to you. I take the time to understand your unique experiences, challenges, and goals so that our work together feels meaningful, supportive, and truly tailored to your needs.
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I show up as a real person in the room with you. I believe therapy works best when there’s trust, openness, and honest communication—so you can expect a space where you’re met with authenticity and straightforward support.
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We won’t just stay on the surface. When you're ready, we’ll dig into the patterns, experiences, and emotions that shape your life—so you can better understand yourself and make lasting change.
Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Arts - Rutgers University
Master of Social Work - New York University
Structural Family Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Supervision
New Jersey School Social Worker
please Hear me when I say:
Your choice to start therapy shows your strength.
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed?
You’re not alone. Many people reach a point where things feel heavy or confusing, and deciding to start therapy is a powerful first step.
Our work together will provide you with…
✓ A safe, supportive space to talk things through
✓ Tools to better understand your thoughts and emotions
✓ Skills to manage stress, anxiety, and the things that keep you feeling stuck
✓ Support as you move toward your goals
It takes courage to ask for support—and it’s okay to need it. Starting therapy can be the beginning of real clarity, growth, and self-discovery.
With time, consistency, and the right support, you can:
✨ Feel more confident in the choices you make
✨ Understand and manage your emotions with greater ease
✨ Strengthen your relationships and communicate more clearly
✨ Worry less, feel more present, and live a more fulfilling life