- Years in practice
- 25
- Credentials
- LICSW
- Licensed in
- Massachusetts
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Addictions
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
- Focus
- Bipolar disorder
About Kathleen
Kathleen O'Connor is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience. She helps people manage addictions, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship strain, grief, sleep problems, parenting concerns, and stress-related issues. Her approach is practical and straightforward, focusing on small steps that fit into daily life.
She aims to meet people where they are and work toward clear goals together. Sessions are interactive and include regular check-ins so the plan stays useful and relevant.
Background and approach
Kathleen uses motivational interviewing to strengthen motivation and decision-making. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a frequent tool in her work for changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotion regulation and mindfulness practices to help reduce reactivity and increase presence.
These approaches are mixed to suit each person’s needs rather than applied the same way for everyone. Kathleen’s background spans nursing homes, substance abuse treatment, criminal justice settings, dialysis clinics, psychiatric emergency rooms, and community care. She has provided in-home therapy and crisis work in both rural and urban settings.
That variety informs a down-to-earth style that fits many life situations. Based in Massachusetts, she holds an MA and practices as an LICSW. Kathleen emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and avoids stigmatizing labels.
She supports people who want practical coping tools and steady encouragement as they work toward change.
What Kathleen works with
Everything Kathleen lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Kathleen helps people with.
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- ADHD
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Adoption and foster care
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- First responder issues
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-love
Approaches Kathleen lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How Kathleen blends approaches for online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead. The therapist creates a respectful, nonjudgmental space and partners with the person to identify goals and next steps.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses practical exercises and small behavior changes to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) contributes specific skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. That can be useful for people dealing with anger, mood swings, or stress-related reactivity.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Kathleen will collaborate with clients to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjust the plan as progress is made.
Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video works well for longer therapy sessions and exercises that benefit from face-to-face interaction. Phone calls can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging allow for brief check-ins and ongoing encouragement between full sessions. These options help people fit therapy into busy schedules and different life circumstances.
Questions people ask about Kathleen
What concerns does she help with?
She supports people facing addictions, trauma, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, anxiety, sleep issues, parenting challenges, grief, anger, self-esteem, career stress, and compassion fatigue.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is interactive and practical with frequent check-ins to make sure the work fits the client's life and goals.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 25 years of experience across nursing homes, substance abuse treatment, emergency psychiatric care, community settings, and in-home therapy.
What credentials and region does she practice in?
She holds an MA and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Massachusetts.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and needs.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.
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