Elyse O'Rourke

Hi, I'm Elyse. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or unsure of how to navigate everything life is asking of you, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in New Hampshire with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rivier University. I work with clients across the lifespan and have a particular passion for helping people navigate anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, family dynamics, life transitions, and the challenges that come with different stages of life.

My approach is warm, genuine, and collaborative. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel truly heard, understood, and accepted—without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I work with you to understand your experiences, identify what may be getting in the way, and find strategies that feel meaningful and realistic for you.

I draw from CBT, DBT, AEDP, solution-focused strategies, and person-centered therapy. We may work on managing anxiety, understanding and regulating emotions, strengthening relationships, building confidence, setting boundaries, processing difficult experiences, or developing a deeper understanding of yourself.

I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of behavioral health settings, including high schools, residential treatment, and community-based care. These experiences have reinforced my belief in meeting people where they are, recognizing their strengths, and creating a therapeutic relationship where they feel safe enough to be themselves.

You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out. Whether you’re struggling with something specific or simply know that you want things to feel different, therapy can be a place to slow down, gain perspective, and begin moving forward. We’ll take it one step at a time, together.

I believe strongly in meeting people where they are and recognizing that therapy is never a one-size-fits-all experience. Together, we’ll identify goals and develop an approach that feels supportive, meaningful, and realistic for you.

At the heart of my work is the belief that a trusting therapeutic relationship—built on genuine connection, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard—is one of the most important parts of meaningful change. I want you to feel comfortable showing up as your authentic self, knowing that you will be met with compassion and without judgment.

Therapy isn’t about finding a “magic wand” or having someone tell you how to fix your life. Real change takes time, intention, and sometimes difficult conversations. My role is to walk alongside you through that process, offering both support and gentle challenge when it can help you grow.

You bring your expertise about yourself and your life; I bring my clinical experience and perspective. Together, we’ll create a collaborative space where you can better understand yourself, build on your strengths, and work toward feeling more confident and capable in your life.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and my goal is to make that first session feel comfortable, welcoming, and collaborative. Our initial session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, begin building a trusting therapeutic relationship, and talk about what brings you to therapy.

We’ll explore what you’ve been experiencing, what you would like to feel or see differently, and what you hope to get out of therapy. You don’t need to have everything figured out before we meet—we can work through that together.

From there, we’ll collaborate on meaningful and achievable goals and begin identifying the tools and approaches that best fit your needs. I want therapy to feel like a partnership: you bring your knowledge of yourself and your experiences, and I bring my clinical experience and support.

Most importantly, the first session is a chance for you to begin feeling heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself. We’ll take things at a pace that feels manageable and work together toward the changes that matter most to you.