- 30 years experience
- LCSW in New Jersey
- Compassionate listening
About Ruth
Ruth Anthony-McClary is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey. She has 30 years of experience and helps people cope with stress, mood changes, trauma, abuse, and low self-esteem. Ruth works with practical steps and straightforward conversation to help people feel steadier and more capable.
She approaches sessions with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Ruth adapts the pace and focus to what each person needs, building a plan from simple, achievable goals. She uses approaches that center relationships and present-day thinking to help people change patterns that cause pain.
Her work often addresses grief, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, parenting stress, and career pressures. She also supports coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, chronic illness, and issues around adoption, abandonment, or attachment. Ruth draws on a mix of methods to suit each situation rather than using one fixed style.
In sessions she blends client-centered listening with tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Motivation-focused techniques help people find reasons and small steps to move forward. The overall aim is to help people manage emotions, think differently about problems, and try new behaviors in everyday life.
Therapy with Ruth begins by listening to what matters most and making a simple plan together. She encourages steady progress through clear, practical suggestions and ongoing review of goals. People who want calm, direct support for life stressors often find this approach useful.
How her approaches translate to online work
Ruth uses attachment-focused ideas to look at how early connections shape present relationships and emotional reactions. This helps when relationship patterns or intimacy-related issues cause distress and people want clearer, healthier ways of connecting.She also uses client-centered therapy, which centers the person's own perspective and pace. That approach means the therapist listens closely and follows what the person says matters most. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps by identifying unhelpful thought patterns and trying small behavior changes to reduce anxiety or low mood.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Ruth will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then try methods that fit their needs. She treats the process as collaborative and adjusts the plan based on what works.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make sessions easier to fit into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about how sessions can best be scheduled around work, caregiving, or medical needs.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Ruth commonly help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting challenges, anger, career strain, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style blends client-centered listening with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approaches, plus motivational interviewing when helpful.
How long has she been practicing?
She has worked in clinical social work for 30 years, bringing long-term experience to common life and mental health concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
Ruth is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, practicing in New Jersey.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Ruth?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.