IFSTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

LCSW

Clifford Bough, LCSW

  • Experience18 years
  • LocationNew York
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Addictions, and Family
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Attachment-Based Therapy
Continue with Clifford

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Clifford

Clifford Bough is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, addiction, mood disorders, grief, and relationship strains.

Background and approach

With 18 years of clinical experience, he blends practical skills and empathy to support clients wrestling with depression, bipolar concerns, panic, anger, and challenges to self-esteem. He also addresses family difficulties, communication breakdowns, and issues such as infidelity, hoarding, substance use, and co-occurring conditions.

Clifford draws on an integrated approach that adapts to each person's circumstances, combining evidence-informed methods with a client-centered stance. He emphasizes respect and sensitivity while collaborating with clients to develop tailored plans for coping with life transitions, managing symptoms, and rebuilding daily functioning.

He frames therapy as a cooperative process in which motivation, skill-building, and compassion are central. Sessions are offered through a range of online formats to accommodate varied schedules, and subscription-based access allows clients to arrange ongoing support according to availability.

Clifford aims to empower clients toward clearer choices and more sustainable coping in the face of complex emotional and behavioral challenges.

Approachable therapeutic methods for online care

Clifford integrates Internal Family Systems and Attachment-Based Therapy alongside client-centered practice to guide remote work. Internal Family Systems invites clients to notice and dialogue with the different parts of their inner experience, which can help with anxiety, mood fluctuations, and patterns that fuel substance use or relationship conflict. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early and current relational patterns shape emotions and coping, offering ways to build more supported, responsive connections and reduce reactive stress.

Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process: Clifford works with each person to identify goals, explore what feels most helpful, and adjust methods over time. He emphasizes shared decision-making so that strategies reflect a client’s needs, values, and real-life constraints rather than a fixed formula.

Online sessions are available as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and practice new skills between meetings while working with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Clifford commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, bipolar symptoms, grief, anger, self-esteem issues, coping with life changes, family problems, and related mood and personality concerns.
What is Clifford’s therapeutic style?
He takes a collaborative, client-centered approach that emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and tailoring treatment to individual needs while building practical skills and insight.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He brings 18 years of professional experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues in New York.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
Clifford holds the credential LCSW and is licensed in New York with license number NY LCSW 077329.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are provided in English only, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats does he offer?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.
How are costs and subscriptions handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided via a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in beginning therapy?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

GriefAnger managementBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityBlended family issuesCo-morbidityCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGender dysphoriaHoardingInfidelityVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Smoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingInternal Family Systems

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English