MM Portrait of Martha McConnell

Martha McConnell, LCSW

Compassionate social work for anxiety and stress

40 years in practice · based in New York · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Martha

Martha McConnell is a licensed clinical social worker who brings four decades of practice to therapy. She works with people facing anxiety and stress, as well as addiction, grief, trauma, and mood concerns. Martha uses straightforward conversation and practical steps to help people manage symptoms and move toward goals.

She began her career in substance abuse treatment and later worked in prevention and broader mental health settings. Her background also includes counseling in developmental services and through an employee assistance program.

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Background and approach

Those roles shaped a skill set for helping with addiction, domestic violence, and trauma-related concerns. Martha focuses on building on each person's strengths. Sessions typically involve talking through current problems, identifying coping skills, and practicing small changes that add up.

She pays close attention to how stress and life events affect daily routines and relationships. People come to her for help with panic attacks, obsessive thinking, mood swings, and the aftereffects of abuse or loss. She also supports those dealing with caregiver strain, codependency, and the challenges that follow separation or disaster.

Her work includes helping with substance use and recovery efforts. Based in New York, Martha speaks English and works with clients within a variety of life situations. She frames therapy as a collaborative process, helping people set realistic steps and adjust the plan as needs change.

Evidence-based strategies for anxiety and recovery online

Many of Martha's approaches rely on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that teach practical skills. One common approach focuses on building coping skills for anxiety and panic - learning breathing and grounding techniques, spotting triggers, and testing out new responses in day-to-day life. This helps reduce the intensity of symptoms and improves confidence in handling stressful moments.

Another approach emphasizes relapse prevention and behavioral change for substance use concerns. It involves identifying high-risk situations, planning alternatives, and strengthening routines that support recovery and daily functioning. This work often pairs well with addressing related issues like codependency and caregiver stress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Martha works with each person to match techniques to their goals, preferences, and current needs. She reviews what’s working over time and adjusts the plan so the treatment stays useful and realistic.

Online sessions make this work flexible. Video calls let people use visual cues and mirror in-person conversation. Phone sessions can be a good fit when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging allow for brief notes, homework check-ins, or ongoing support between meetings. These options help fit therapy into busy schedules and varied lifestyles.
Book with Martha Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does she address?
Martha helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression, along with related issues like panic attacks and obsessive thoughts.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She uses practical, evidence-based techniques and straightforward talk. Sessions focus on coping skills, small behavior changes, and strengthening personal resources.
How much experience does she have?
She has 40 years of professional experience working across substance abuse treatment, prevention, mental health, and developmental services.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - licensed in New York and practices from that region.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered to international clients and she conducts therapy in English.
Which session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
40 years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English

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