- CBT skills
- DBT techniques
- Motivational interviewing
About Kathleen
Kathleen O'Connor is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts with 25 years of experience. She works with adults on anger as well as anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, stress, grief, relationship and parenting concerns. Kathleen has experience across many settings and with people who face complex problems.
She trained at the master's level and completed a certificate as a Specialized Mental Health Provider during her MSW program, focusing on severe mental illness and dual diagnoses. Earlier in her career she was licensed in Indiana and Ohio and held a Chemical Dependency Counselor certification in Ohio. Her background includes work in nursing homes, substance abuse treatment, psychiatric emergency rooms, dialysis clinics, criminal justice settings, and community-based services.
Kathleen's sessions are interactive and practical. She checks in often to make sure she is understanding the client's concerns and adjusts the plan as needed. Her approach draws on client-centered techniques and motivational interviewing to support goal-setting and change.
She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for managing strong emotions and building coping strategies. Mindfulness practices are included to help with stress, anger, and attention challenges.
Kathleen has provided in-home therapy, crisis work in the community, and telehealth by phone and video during the pandemic. She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and avoiding stigmatizing labels while working with people at different stages of recovery and change.
How Kathleen uses therapeutic approaches online
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and helping clients set their own goals. It supports people who want practical changes and clearer direction for handling anger, stress, or relationship strain.Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going. It teaches skills for noticing triggers, testing unhelpful thoughts, and practicing new responses to reduce outbursts or ongoing resentment.
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, provides emotion regulation and distress tolerance techniques. These skills are useful for managing intense moments, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and reducing impulsive reactions.
Finding the right mix of these methods is part of the work. Kathleen will collaborate with each person to choose strategies that match their goals, needs, and preferences. She adapts the approach over time based on what helps most.
Confirm current session options before booking because the biography does not list explicit long-term formats. Many people appreciate online sessions for fitting therapy into work or caregiving schedules, for shorter check-ins when needed, or for sessions that do not require travel. If you are considering telehealth, note the practical benefits such as easier scheduling, fewer commute demands, and flexibility for quick follow-ups.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Massachusetts
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does she address?
She works with anger linked to relationships, work stress, parenting strain, and underlying issues like trauma, addiction, or mood disorders.
How would she describe her therapy style?
Her style is interactive and practical with frequent check-ins. She helps set goals and adjusts sessions based on what the client needs.
What is her clinical background?
She has 25 years of direct-service experience across nursing homes, substance abuse settings, emergency psychiatry, and community-based work.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is an MA, LICSW and is licensed in Massachusetts.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking since the biography does not list specific ongoing formats for this profile.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.