I am a Master’s Prepared Clinical Social Worker with diverse experience. I have a passion for helping others to achieve their goals and realize their full potential. As part of my MSW program I participated in a multi-disciplinary consortium and earned a certificate, Specialized Mental Health Provider, focusing on the severely mentally ill and the dually diagnosed. I am currently licensed in Massachusetts as an LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) and was previously licensed in both Indiana and Ohio and have also held certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor in Ohio.
I have over 25 years’ experience providing direct service in a variety of settings to clients ages 3 to 102. I began my journey as a Social Services Director in a 114-bed nursing home in 1995 and have worked with folks in a variety of settings including but not limited to substance abuse treatment, criminal justice settings, dialysis clinics, psychiatric emergency rooms, and in the community. I have worked in rural areas and the inner city and have provided in home therapy as well as community-based crisis and most recently have been providing telehealth via phone and video during the pandemic.
I believe that the key is to meet the you where you are currently, empower you and travel with you to where you are going (goal); whether this is a short-term connection or journey of several years depends on you and the complexity of your goal. My counseling style is interactive, with frequent checking in to ensure that I am hearing you and maintain open communication. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. Although my current approach primarily combines motivational interviewing, mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and TFCBT; I am always seeking to learn new things and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and by coming here and searching you have already taken the first step towards a change. If you are ready to take the next step I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Adoption and foster care, Caregiver issues and stress, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
MA LICSW 121635
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Kathleen O'Connor. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Kathleen has been by far the most helpful and understanding therapist I have seen, and has had a tremendously positive influence on my wellbeing.
Written on Sep 30, 2022 after therapy with Kathleen for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, and adhd
One of the best therapist I’ve ever had!
Written on Aug 23, 2022 after therapy with Kathleen for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She's so funny, kind, and always makes me feel heard. I feel like a superhero after my sessions with her b/c she strives to be more than making me feel heard, and she's very supportive! I feel very lucky we got matched.
Written on Aug 15, 2022 after therapy with Kathleen for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Kathleen is great. I’ve been seeing her for a couple months, and the growth I’ve experienced thanks to her ability to show me a different perspective from my usual thought processes is already noticeable. I’m making better choices, facing difficulties with a more level-head, and I genuinely look forward to every session because I come away from it with something even if I felt like I talked about nothing. She has treated me with respect and dignity throughout, even when talking about my somewhat sordid past. Can’t recommend her strongly enough.
Written on May 09, 2022 after therapy with Kathleen for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Therapy is not something that is easy for everyone , but Kathleen has been amazing and has made this process as easy as can be. She makes the time and shows true compassion.
Written on Apr 06, 2022 after therapy with Kathleen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues
Continues to help me make progress. Always calms my anxiety and gently prompts me back in the right direction.
Written on Feb 26, 2022 after therapy with Kathleen for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes