Elise OConnell

Hello, my name is Elise OConnell and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1994. For the first 15 years I worked in Chicago after graduating from Loyoly University of Chicago's Master in Social Work program. In Chicago I worked primarily with unhoused, chronically mentally ill and then as a crisis worker in a level one trauma center. I then moved to Pennsylvania where I started working as a psychotherapist in private practice which I have continued to do in Walla Walla Washington and now in my home town of Lakewood Colorado

My approach to therapy is best decribed as client centered. I deeply beleive that there is no one approach to healing and the work of therapy is to discover what works best for you. My ideal client has some insight into what they are struggling with and a willingness to begin gently making the changes that will lead to their individual healing. I understand how difficult this work can be and I work at your pace with the understanding that as we build trust your ability to open up and do the hard work will increase.

I describe your therapy session as an hour devotd to you. In your intake session we can begin to explore what apporach you feel is most inviting for you. Some clients are looking for a place to process their feeling and build strategies and tools for healing trauma. Other clients are looking to build skills for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. I have a library of resource for clients who work are looking for homework and handouts.