- Compassionate approach
- Skill focused
- Mindfulness tools
About Rachel
Rachel McGowan is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) practicing in Massachusetts. She brings 11 years of clinical experience and a warm, interactive style to sessions. Rachel aims to make therapy feel respectful and nonjudgmental so people can take the first steps toward change.
Rachel uses a mix of approaches to match what each person needs. She helps people identify triggers and build coping skills for anxiety, depression, and mood concerns. She also supports those dealing with trauma, panic attacks, ADHD, and social anxiety by teaching practical tools they can use day to day.
Her background includes work as a school social worker and four years in a residential setting supporting people who experienced physical, sexual, or emotional trauma. That experience shaped her focus on clear communication and safety when addressing painful memories and strong emotions.
In sessions she emphasizes mindfulness, self-esteem work, and practicing new skills between meetings. She believes the relationship between therapist and client is central, and she collaborates on a straightforward plan to reach goals. Rachel also mentions a certified therapy dog, Bauer, a Goldendoodle who can help people feel more at ease during meetings.
Her approach is practical and compassionate, aimed at helping people manage stress, handle life changes, and regain confidence. Parents reading on a phone will find short, focused guidance and simple tools they can try between sessions.
How these approaches adapt to online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience so they feel heard and respected; it helps when someone needs support sorting through emotions and making choices. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses simple exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness and can be useful when strong emotions or intense reactions cause problems.Finding the best approach is part of the work together. Rachel will talk with the client about goals and preferences and then try techniques that fit those needs. She adjusts methods over time so the plan stays practical and relevant to day-to-day life.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let people practice skills from wherever they are and focus on concrete tools like breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and behavior experiments that translate into everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
Massachusetts
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Rachel commonly address?
Rachel works with a range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, panic disorder and panic attacks, social anxiety, and issues around relationships and self-esteem.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is warm and interactive. She mixes practical skill-building with empathy and focuses on collaboration and clear goals.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Rachel has 11 years of experience, including roles as a clinician and a school social worker, plus four years in a residential setting working with people who experienced trauma.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an MA and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Massachusetts.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How do session costs work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Rachel?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.