ABOUT RACHEL MCDONOUGH, LCSW
You don’t have to
feel this anxious forever.
I’m a Ridgewood-based therapist who helps women and young adults move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling calm, confident, and present in their lives.
HOW I WORK
If you deal with anxiety, tend to overthink, or often put other people’s needs ahead of your own, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
You’ve probably tried a lot: meditation apps, journaling, venting to friends, overthinking, or binge-watching your favorite show, all hoping something would finally help you feel better. And yet, you still feel stuck.
I focus on two things:
Making sense of how you feel
Practical tools you can use right now
In sessions, I’m warm, honest, and engaged. I bring empathy and a little humor, especially when the work feels hard or uncomfortable.
I don’t just listen. I give honest feedback, call you out on your BS, and help you create strategies you can actually use. Therapy with me is a space where you feel understood, supported, and challenged when you need it.
THERAPY WITH ME IS…
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We’ll focus on what matters most to you. In therapy, I take the time to understand your experiences, what you’re struggling with, and what you want out of therapy, so our work feels meaningful and helpful to you. Whether you're dealing with anxiety or a big life change, you’ll get support that makes sense for you.
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I show up as a real person in the therapy room with you—whether we’re meeting online or in Ridgewood, NJ. I believe therapy works best when there's trust, honesty, and open communication, so you'll find a space where you're met with warmth, authenticity, and direct, supportive care.
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We’re not just skimming the surface. We’ll explore the patterns, beliefs, and emotional habits that keep anxiety and stress showing up again and again so you can get unstuck, feel more in control, and start making changes that actually last.
Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Arts - Rutgers University
Master of Social Work - New York University
Perinatal Mental Health
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.
If you're feeling stuck, stressed, or like everything's just a little too much, you’re not alone. A lot of people hit a point where life feels confusing or hard to manage. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but it’s a really important one.
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