Kathleen O'Connor, LICSW

Kathleen O'Connor is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 25 years of hands-on experience. She helps people facing addiction, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, stress, parenting strain, sleep problems, and grief. Kathleen also supports those with ADHD, bipolar disorder, relationship and intimacy concerns, and work-related burnout. She practices in Massachusetts and works in English.

Her style is direct and interactive. She checks in often during sessions to make sure she understands what matters to the client. Kathleen focuses on meeting people where they are and setting real goals together. Sessions may be short-term or longer depending on what a person needs.

Kathleen draws on several practical approaches to build a plan that fits each person. She uses client-centered methods to follow a client's lead and motivational interviewing to support behavior change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are used for mood, anxiety, and coping challenges, while mindfulness practices help with stress and emotional regulation.

Her background includes work in substance abuse treatment, criminal justice settings, dialysis clinics, psychiatric emergency rooms, nursing homes, and community-based crisis care. She has provided in-home therapy and has experience in both rural and urban settings. Kathleen also has a history of telehealth work via phone and video.

Kathleen emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and avoiding stigmatizing labels. She will tailor conversations and plans to what an individual needs, and she supports people through practical steps toward change.

How chosen approaches work online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on following the client's lead and creating a respectful, listening space. It helps people feel heard and decide what they want to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches skills to shift unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help with intense mood swings and relationship stress.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and try methods that fit their needs. Plans are adjusted over time so approaches match changing priorities and progress.

The biography notes prior use of phone and video telehealth during the pandemic, but current formats should be confirmed before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Some people prefer video for face-to-face interaction while others choose phone for lower bandwidth or to avoid being on camera. Confirm the available session types when you schedule so the format works with your routine.