Pauletta McClenan
“MAC” is A licensed clinical social worker and military veteran, who has dedicated her career to helping others navigate life's most difficult challenges since the 90’s. Her journey in the field has been shaped by both invaluable professional experience and a deep personal understanding of the importance of therapy and support. Specializing in anger management, she also possess a mastery of a niche in working with forensic clients. Her diverse professional background includes independent work as an EAP provider with several Fortune 500 companies, consulting and being employed with both public and private law enforcement and social service agencies in New York City. After returning from an extended sabbatical, a period she credit with benefiting both her self and the clients through focused reflection on personal development and professional growth. She have renewed her mission: to serve and align with their clients' needs through counseling, advocacy, and connecting people to viable opportunities. She is a vocal advocate for engaging in uncomfortable but necessary conversations about self, systems, economics, inequality, race-related stress, and trauma. She believe that while it may be unpopular to be brave, and unacceptable to create spaces for chaos and fabricated narratives, silence is no longer an option. Guided by the words of James Baldwin—"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced, “ she continue the work to improve clients' well-being and help them thrive.
First session
Client’s first session is a space built for them, no judgment, no pressure, no script, a clear sense where we are headed and how we will get there. They’ll get the chance to be heard, be honest, be understood, cry, and curse if needed. The above means, I will not avoid the hard conversations, but I won't ask you to either. Together, we will identify their goals and outline the tools and strategies that fit their lifestyle, not a textbook version. At the end of the first session, they will understand that I will advocate for them and remain committed.
Strengths
My greatest strength is the depth and breadth of my experience. As a LCSW, since 2005, I have worked across diverse settings, from forensic clients to Fortune 500 companies as a mental provider. This range has sharpened my ability to connect with people from all walks of life and to adapt my approach to meet each client where they are. I bring mastery in specialized areas, including anger management therapy, and forensic work. But beyond credentials, I bring something harder to teach: perspective. As a military veteran, I understand resilience, transitions, and the weight of unseen battles. As a therapist, I know how to hold space for pain without flinching. I am also an advocate at heart. I don't shy away from uncomfortable conversations about systems, inequality, race, related stress, or trauma, because I know silence helps no one. My strength lies in my willingness to be brave when it's unpopular, to face hard truths when it's easier to look away, and to help clients not just cope, but thrive. And perhaps most importantly, I practice what I preach. My recent sabbatical reminded me that reflection and personal growth are not luxuries, they are necessities. I invest in myself so I can show up fully for others. That, too, is a strength.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who has finally decided to seek therapy for concerns related to anger. They may feel confused about the choices and decisions they’re making, be ready to give up, or be at risk of becoming violent. They are willing to accept constructive criticism, engage in direct talk therapy from a cognitive behavior model and complete assigned activities. Their goal is to make positive, appropriate decisions that align with their morals and values and avoid physically or emotionally harming others.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anger management is a structured, skills-based approach that targets the thoughts, physical reactions, and behaviors fueling anger. The core premise is that it’s not the event itself that makes you angry, it’s how you interpret. Cognitive Restructuring Clients learn to identify and challenge. The therapist helps reframe thoughts into balanced, "cool" thought, for example, shifting from "Why didn’t he call me" to "He might be working ". This directly reduces the emotional charge. Arousal Reduction Because anger triggers a "fight or flight" response, CBT teaches physiological calming techniques. This includes deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness to lower heart rate and adrenaline, creating a physical buffer against impulsive reactions. Behavioral Skills Training Clients practice new responses through: Assertiveness Training: Using "I" statements to express needs respectfully instead of aggressive "you" accusations. Time-Outs: Learning to physically remove oneself from a heated situation before reacting. Problem-Solving: Identifying practical solutions to underlying frustrations rather than just managing the symptom. Self-Monitoring Clients often use "thought records" to track triggers, physical sensations, and automatic thoughts before an outburst. This turns an unconscious reflex into a conscious process, allowing intervention earlier in the anger cycle. The goal is to replace destructive outbursts or internalized resentment (anger-in) with assertive, controlled expression that preserves relationships and well-being.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Black / African American
Woman
Top specialties
Anger Management
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Individual Therapy
Man
Non-binary
Transgender
Woman
Doesn't specialize in
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Licensed in
New YorkLicense 069332