- LICSW clinician
- Bilingual English Portuguese
- Focus on anxiety
About Monica
Monica Cesar McGraw is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) based in Massachusetts. She brings six years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and motivation concerns. Monica speaks English and Portuguese and aims to make conversations direct and respectful for anyone reaching out.
Her approach blends practical techniques with collaborative goal-setting. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotional regulation and Mindfulness Therapy to build present-moment awareness.
Monica adapts each plan to the individual's needs. Sessions often focus on concrete strategies for coping with panic, obsessive thoughts, low mood, and life transitions. She works with people on self-esteem, relationship stress, and challenges linked to caregiving and aging.
She emphasizes clear, straightforward dialogue. Monica helps clients set small, achievable steps and reviews progress together. Her style aims to reduce overwhelm and increase a person’s ability to handle daily stressors.
Monica values cultural and language connection and will use Portuguese when helpful. She encourages people to describe what they most want to change, and she will tailor tools and goals to those priorities.
How her approaches guide online work
Monica often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice patterns of thinking and behavior that fuel anxiety or panic. CBT sessions focus on concrete steps like testing thoughts, changing behaviors, and practicing new responses to triggers.She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT-style skills can be useful when strong emotions or relationship conflicts make everyday life harder.
Finding the right approach is a joint effort. Monica will talk with each person about their goals and try methods that fit their needs and preferences. She checks in regularly and adjusts strategies based on what helps most.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist about scheduling, session length, and whether language needs such as Portuguese are preferred.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Massachusetts
Languages
English, Portuguese
Frequently asked questions
What concerns can Monica help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, depression, relationship and family concerns, anger, bipolar symptoms, coping with life changes, and ADHD. Additional focus areas include panic disorder and panic attacks, OCD tendencies, phobias, postpartum depression, and end-of-life concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is practical and collaborative. She uses hands-on tools, skills practice, and clear goal-setting rather than abstract discussion alone.
What experience does she bring?
She has six years of professional experience working with people on anxiety, grief, motivation, and self-esteem issues across a range of life challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds an MA and is a LICSW licensed in Massachusetts.
Which languages are supported during sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.