Monica Cesar McGraw, LICSW
Accessible LICSW using narrative and skills-based methods
Details
| Name | Monica Cesar McGraw |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LICSW |
| Based in | Massachusetts |
| Licensed in | Massachusetts |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English, Portuguese |
| Years in practice | 6 |
About Monica
Monica Cesar McGraw is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Massachusetts. She brings six years of clinical experience to sessions and speaks English and Portuguese. Monica aims to make the first step toward help feel less daunting for people under stress or facing big life changes.
She focuses on common concerns like anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and low self-esteem. She also supports people dealing with trauma and abuse, bipolar concerns, ADHD, and relationship strain.
Background and approach
Sessions are shaped around each person’s situation and goals. Monica uses Narrative Therapy along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy when helpful. She also draws on mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing to help clients notice patterns and try new ways of coping.
These approaches are explained in straightforward terms during early sessions. Her style is respectful and compassionate, and she adjusts the pace to fit each person. Monica helps people talk through painful events, build skills to manage symptoms, and set small, practical goals.
She supports caregivers, older adults facing aging concerns, and those working through end-of-life or hospice related stress. Monica works with people on a range of issues including obsessive thoughts, panic attacks, phobias, postpartum depression, guilt and shame, and isolation. She tailors treatment plans to what each person needs and revisits the plan as progress is made.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief among the things Monica works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- ADHD
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Isolation / loneliness
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Phobias
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-harm
- Social anxiety and phobia
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Monica among the ways she works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Monica among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Monica among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Monica among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Monica among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Monica among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Monica directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Monica directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative and skills work online
Online sessions can use Narrative Therapy to help people tell and rethink the stories that shape their daily life. This approach focuses on how problems have been built into a person’s story and looks for ways to name those patterns and try alternatives.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. It works well for anxiety, depression, panic, and phobias by breaking larger problems into manageable steps. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships; it can be useful for intense emotions and recurring patterns.
Monica treats the choice of approach as a team effort. She will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and recommend ways of working together. The plan is adjusted over time based on what helps most.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls are good for face-to-face conversation and guided skill practice. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a short break. Live chat or text messaging can support quick check-ins, reminders, or ongoing coaching between sessions. These options offer flexibility to fit sessions into busy lives while keeping therapy focused on real change.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does Monica help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, relationship strain, bipolar concerns, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is respectful and compassionate, mixing Narrative Therapy with practical skill-building from CBT and DBT and including mindfulness and motivational interviewing when useful.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has six years of professional work experience as a clinician in Massachusetts.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
Monica is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, MA LICSW, practicing in Massachusetts.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How does pricing 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 her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Monica are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Monica where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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