- Addictions and trauma
- Goal-oriented approach
- Mindfulness and skills
About Kathleen
Kathleen O'Connor is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 25 years of direct practice. She helps people dealing with addiction, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, stress, and relationship or family concerns. Kathleen also supports those facing adoption and foster care related issues and caregiver strain.
Kathleen began her career in long-term care and has worked in many settings since then. Her experience includes substance abuse treatment, criminal justice settings, dialysis clinics, psychiatric emergency rooms, and in-home work. She has provided community-based crisis services and has offered telehealth by phone and video during the pandemic.
Her counseling style is interactive and practical. She checks in often during sessions to make sure she is understanding the client's concerns and goals. Kathleen aims to meet people where they are and then work with them toward clear, realistic steps for change.
She blends several approaches when planning care, including motivational interviewing, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral strategies, and dialectical behavior techniques. Kathleen says she will tailor conversations and plans to each person's needs rather than rely on labels.
Clients can expect straightforward guidance, goal-focused conversations, and attention to how daily life and roles affect well-being. Kathleen frames work as a collaborative journey and supports both short-term goals and longer-term growth depending on what is needed.
How her approaches translate to online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, building trust, and following what matters most to the client. It helps when someone needs a respectful space to sort priorities and make decisions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts affect feelings and behavior and teaches concrete skills to shift unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and many daily challenges.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) includes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skill building. These techniques can help with strong emotions, relationship strain, and coping under pressure.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kathleen will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That planning happens together and can change as needs evolve.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into busy lives by reducing travel time, making it easier to schedule brief check-ins, or allowing workday appointments. Talk with the therapist during the matching process about session length and how to make appointments work with your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Massachusetts
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Kathleen focus on?
Her work covers addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar and mood disorders, depression, ADHD, anxiety and stress, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy issues, sleeping and parenting challenges, anger and self-esteem, career changes, compassion fatigue, and adoption and foster care related matters.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She uses an interactive, down-to-earth style with frequent check-ins during sessions. The approach is collaborative and aims to set clear goals and practical steps.
What kind of background does she bring to sessions?
She has 25 years of direct service across many settings including nursing homes, substance abuse treatment, criminal justice, dialysis clinics, psychiatric emergency rooms, community crisis work, and in-home therapy.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds an MA and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensed in Massachusetts.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.