Miriam Mackay, LCSW

Change begins the moment you stop fighting your thoughts and start choosing your actions.

Miriam Mackay, LCSW's style

Why Miriam Mackay, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

I've always been drawn to understanding people. What drives us, what holds us back, and how we grow through life's challenges. Becoming a therapist felt like a natural way to turn that curiosity into meaningful work. I'm inspired by the resilience I see in clients every day and feel honored to walk alongside them as they face fears, break cycles, and reconnect with what matters most in their lives

Miriam Mackay, LCSW's approach

I take a practical, evidence-based approach, but therapy is never just about 'techniques' for me, it's about the person in front of me. I specialize in OCD, and much of my work centers on helping clients understand how their thoughts and urges drive behaviors, and then gradually, learn to respond differently. Using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), we work together to face fears and break the cycle of compulsions, one step at a time.
I also work with people struggling with body-focused repetitive behaviors, like skin picking or hair pulling, using Habit Reversal Training (HRT) to build awareness and replace urges with healthier habits. For clients struggling with depressive symptoms I rely on Behavioral Activation (BA), helping clients reconnect with meaningful activities, regain momentum, and start feeling like themselves again.
My approach is collaborative and personalized. I meet clients where they are, balancing compassion with structure and practical guidance. Change can be uncomfortable, and I make sure to walk alongside clients, helping them tolerate discomfort, learn tools that work in real life, and gradually build confidence in their ability to manage symptoms. Sessions are grounded, honest, and supportive, but I also like to bring a sense of warmth, empathy, and even a little humor when it feels right.

What you can expect from sessions with Miriam Mackay, LCSW

Sessions with me are active, collaborative, and focused on real change. We won't just talk about your symptoms, we'll work on them together. I'll help you understand the patterns that keep you stuck and we'll build practical strategies to face fears, interrupt habits, and create more momentum in you daily life.
I aim to balance compassion with structure. You'll be met with empathy and understanding, but also clear guidance and accountability. Some sessions may feel challenging, especially when we're doing ERP work, but I'll be there to support you every step of the way.
The goal is for you to leave therapy not just feeling better, but feeling more capable, flexible , and free in your everyday life.

Miriam Mackay, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

As someone who is part of the Jewish community, I have both personal familiarity and clinical experience working with Jewish clients. I aim to create a space that is respectful, judgment-free, and sensitive to the cultural and religious contexts that shape people's lives.
While OCD, BFRBs, and depressive symptoms are universal struggles, they often show up in ways that are intertwined with community expectations, values, and daily practices. My goal is to provide treatment that is both evidence-based and culturally aware, so clients can work on real change without feeling like they have to explain or defend their way of life.
Therapy is a place where all parts of a person's identity are welcome, and the work is always guided by what feels meaningful, appropriate, and aligned with their values.

Miriam Mackay, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• The OCD Answer Book
  Professional Answers to More Than 250 Top Questions About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, by Patrick McGrath, PhD
• Stop Obsessing!
  How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions, by Edna B. Foa, PhD and Reid Wilson, PhD
• Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty, by Jonathan Grayson, PhD
• The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD
  A Guide to Overcoming Obsessions and Compulsions Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, by Jon Hershfield, MFT and Tom Corboy, MFT
• The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD
  Lean Into Your Fear, Manage Difficult Emotions, and Focus on Recovery, by Kimberley Quinlan, MFT

Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Person-Centered Therapy

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Skin picking (excoriation)
• Trichotillomania

5 years in practice

Licenses

• LCSW by New York 2025. License number 099583
• LCSW by New Jersey 2025. License number 44SC06552100
• LICSW by Massachusetts 2025
• LMSW by Michigan 2025

Degrees

• Masters of Social Work by Fordham University 2021

Certificates

• ERP by NOCD 2025

Average costs per session

$200

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay