Rachael Woods , LCSW

Rachael Woods is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Alaska with 24 years of experience supporting people across the lifespan. She has worked with clients of all ages to address concerns such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, self-injury, and thoughts of suicide, and she brings that wide clinical experience to each therapeutic relationship.

Rachael emphasizes a listening stance that is nonjudgmental and collaborative, helping clients identify their needs and discover strengths and solutions within themselves. She favors a client-centered approach and frequently uses Motivational Interviewing techniques, adapting methods from a broad therapeutic toolbox to suit each person’s unique situation. Her work also encompasses areas like stress, addictions, sleep difficulties, relationship and family issues, LGBT concerns, eating and anger problems, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Rachael offers care informed by decades of practice and a commitment to meeting clients where they are. As an LCSW - a licensed clinical social worker trained to provide assessment and psychotherapy - she combines practical strategies with empathic support to guide clients through change. Many find it helpful that she tailors interventions to individual goals while honoring each person’s pace and priorities.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Rachael integrates client-centered therapy into online sessions by creating a supportive, listening-focused space where the client's priorities guide the work. This approach emphasizes empathy and collaboration and is helpful for people seeking to explore feelings, clarify goals, and build on personal strengths.

She also uses Motivational Interviewing to support readiness for change. This technique involves asking open questions and reflecting the client’s motivations, which can be especially effective for substance use, habit change, or when someone feels ambivalent about taking next steps.

For clients with trauma-related symptoms, Rachael incorporates EMDR when appropriate. EMDR helps process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact, and it can be adapted to remote formats with careful planning and pacing.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Rachael works collaboratively with each person to select and adjust methods based on their needs, goals, and preferences, ensuring treatment evolves as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - appointments by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging let clients choose what fits their schedule and comfort level. These options make regular care more accessible for people balancing work, family, or geographical constraints while allowing therapists and clients to focus on meaningful, goal-oriented work together.