Rachael McKinnon, LMSW

Rachael McKinnon is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with 14 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, anger, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, sleep problems, and career challenges. Rachael also works with people facing trauma and abuse, bipolar mood concerns, self-esteem struggles, and life transitions.

Her approach uses practical, evidence-informed methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness. Sessions are aimed at teaching skills for coping, emotional regulation, and clearer decision making rather than quick fixes. She emphasizes learning tools people can use day to day.

Rachael frames therapy as a collaborative process. She helps people notice unhelpful patterns, practice different responses to stress or irritability, and set small, achievable goals. Work might include changing thoughts that fuel anger, practicing grounding and breathing techniques, and building routines that improve sleep and mood.

She brings a practical focus to relationship communication and boundary setting. That can look like role-playing conversations, rehearsing phrases, and strategizing how to handle recurring triggers. For addictions and substance concerns, sessions combine motivational interviewing ideas with coping skills to reduce harm and increase motivation for change.

Rachael’s style is direct and interactive. People who want clear steps, skill practice, and steady problem-solving tend to do best with her. She provides straightforward coaching on handling frustrating situations and on rebuilding steadier day-to-day functioning.

How her approaches translate to online work