Catherine OConnell

I believe therapy is most effective when you feel comfortable being yourself. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard and supported while we work together toward meaningful change. I value building a genuine therapeutic relationship and believe that honesty, collaboration, and even humor have an important place in the healing process.

My experience includes helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. Throughout my career, I've worked in nonprofit and community mental health settings, supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and other mental health concerns. I received my Masters in Social Work at Florida State University. I relocated to New York City in 2015.

I take a collaborative, person-centered approach, allowing you to guide the direction of our sessions based on what's most important to you. Some days you may need space to process your thoughts and experiences, while other times our work may be more conversational, with feedback, questions, and practical strategies. I tailor each session to meet your individual needs and goals.

I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, while Solution-Focused Therapy builds on your strengths and focuses on achievable goals. For clients who have experienced trauma or distressing life events, EMDR can help reduce the emotional impact of difficult memories by allowing the brain to reprocess them in a healthier way. Before beginning trauma processing, we focus on developing coping skills and emotional regulation to ensure you feel prepared and supported throughout the process.

I believe that understanding the past can provide valuable insight into the present. Together, we'll explore how earlier experiences may continue to influence your perspectives, relationships, habits, and coping patterns today. Throughout therapy, we'll work to develop healthier coping skills, increase self-awareness, and build practical tools that support lasting growth and a more balanced life.

During our first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to gain from the process. If this is your first time in therapy, it's okay to feel unsure of what to expect—our first session is simply a chance for us to get to know one another. If you've been to therapy before, I'll ask about those experiences to understand what has and hasn't been helpful. Together, we'll discuss your current life stressors, identify the areas you'd like to focus on, and begin developing a plan that feels right for you.