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- CBT
- DBT
- Mindfulness
About Rachel
LICSW in Massachusetts with 11 years of clinical experience, Rachel McGowan focuses on stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and related mood and behavior concerns. She uses client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to guide her work. Rachel has experience in schools and residential settings and has supported people facing trauma, mood disorders, and social anxiety.
She prioritizes building a strong therapeutic relationship and uses brief, clear techniques in sessions. Rachel lets clients set goals and then practices skills together, such as coping strategies, communication practice, and mindfulness exercises. She emphasizes straightforward skill-building rather than labels or long lectures.
Her background includes work as a school social worker and four years in a residential program where she supported people who had experienced physical, sexual, and emotional trauma. That range of settings shaped her focus on practical tools for managing panic, mood swings, and post-traumatic stress reactions.
Sessions often include learning and rehearsing new behaviors. Rachel works on self-esteem, anger management, and routines that reduce anxiety. She also helps people notice triggers and respond differently in stressful moments.
Rachel integrates elements of CBT and DBT with client-centered discussions to make treatment concrete and actionable. Motivational interviewing is used when people need help clarifying goals and building commitment to change. Mindfulness strategies are practiced in-session and adapted for daily life.
If someone is weighing whether to start, Rachel asks about current difficulties and goals, then outlines a practical plan with easy steps and homework that fit the person’s life.
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How Rachel uses evidence-based methods in online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person. It helps clarify goals and builds a working relationship where practical decisions are made together.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. Rachel uses CBT to help with anxiety, panic attacks, mood problems, and unhelpful thinking patterns through exercises and homework.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal effectiveness. It is useful when strong emotions or frequent mood shifts interfere with daily life.
Choosing an approach is collaborative. Rachel will discuss options, try techniques in session, and adjust based on what feels useful. She helps set clear goals and revises plans as progress is made.
Confirm the current session formats before booking, as the biography does not list them explicitly. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, shorten travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Discuss format preferences during the matching questionnaire and first session so practical arrangements match daily routines.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
Massachusetts
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma and abuse, eating issues, LGBT concerns, relationship and family problems, panic and social anxiety.
What is her therapeutic style?
She practices client-centered work with skill-based methods. Sessions mix conversation with exercises from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 11 years of experience, including roles as a clinician, school social worker, and four years in a residential setting supporting people who experienced trauma.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds an MA and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Massachusetts.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions billed?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do you begin a first session?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.