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LMSW

Rachael McKinnon, LMSW

  • Experience14 years
  • LocationMichigan
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Addictions, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Rachael

Rachael McKinnon is a Michigan-based Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 14 years of clinical experience helping people navigate complex emotional and life challenges.

Background and approach

She combines compassion with practical interventions to support clients working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, addiction, relationship and communication difficulties, mood and bipolar concerns, and the everyday stresses of work and life. Her practice emphasizes a collaborative, nonjudgmental stance that foregrounds each person's strengths while addressing patterns that get in the way of wellbeing.

Her work draws on a blend of evidence-based therapies to tailor care to individual needs, including Internal Family Systems alongside cognitive and behavioral strategies. Clients can expect an interactive, motivational approach that focuses on building coping skills, updating unhelpful thinking, and strengthening self-esteem and agency.

Rachael also attends to specific areas such as body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, substance concerns, and relationship issues, with attention to LGBT-related matters. Appointments are offered through a variety of online formats and scheduled to fit clients' lives.

The aim of her practice is to help people develop practical tools and deeper self-understanding so they can make meaningful, sustainable changes.

Integrating therapeutic approaches for online care

Rachael uses Internal Family Systems to help clients notice and relate to different parts of themselves with curiosity and care, a process that can clarify internal conflicts and reduce self-criticism. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is employed to help people clarify values, accept difficult feelings, and take committed action toward meaningful goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides structured work on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to improve mood and functioning.

Finding the right blend of methods is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to explore which approaches fit their goals, preferences, and presenting concerns, adjusting strategies over time based on what proves most helpful.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, allow continuity when travel or life events interrupt routines, and let clients choose the communication style that feels most comfortable for them.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addiction, relationship and family problems, sleep difficulties, anger, self-esteem, career strain, and bipolar disorder.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
Her style is warm, motivational, and interactive, combining evidence-based methods like Internal Family Systems, CBT, DBT, ACT, and client-centered techniques to create a tailored plan for each person.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 14 years of clinical experience providing psychotherapy for a variety of mental health and life challenges in Michigan.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan. Licence details are MI LMSW 6801091574.
Does she offer services in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
In what formats are sessions available?
She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.
How are sessions priced and paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are required to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

14+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English