Tera O'Connor

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving clients in Tennessee and Wisconsin. My background includes more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health, leadership, organizational systems, and helping people navigate life's most difficult transitions. Before starting my private practice, I served in executive leadership in public service, giving me firsthand experience with workplace stress, burnout, leadership challenges, organizational change, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, trauma, grief, burnout, workplace challenges, and personal growth. I believe lasting change comes from understanding the patterns beneath our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—not simply managing symptoms. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel heard, challenged, and supported as you move toward the life you want to create.

My approach is collaborative, holistic, and grounded in curiosity. Rather than focusing only on what's wrong, we explore your experiences, relationships, beliefs, and strengths to better understand what has shaped you and where you want to go.

I draw from evidence-based approaches including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, trauma-informed care, and systems thinking. Every client is different, so I tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals. Together, we'll identify patterns, build practical skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, what's been happening in your life, and what you hope will be different. There is no pressure to tell your entire story all at once—you can move at a pace that feels comfortable.

I believe people often already have many of the answers within them. My role is to ask thoughtful questions, offer insights, and create a space where those answers can emerge. Together, we'll begin identifying patterns, clarifying your goals, and developing a path forward that feels meaningful and achievable.