- 25 years experience
- LICSW
- Practical strategies
About Kathleen
Kathleen O'Connor is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 25 years of experience. She helps people dealing with sleep problems and related concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and stress. Her approach is practical and respectful, aimed at helping people make small, workable changes that improve daily life.
She started in long-term care and moved through many settings including substance abuse treatment, dialysis clinics, psychiatric emergency rooms, and community programs. That range of work shaped a flexible style that adapts to different needs. Kathleen has provided in-home therapy, crisis services, and telehealth by phone and video during the pandemic.
Kathleen uses conversational, interactive sessions. She checks in often to make sure clients feel heard and that goals stay clear. Her work pulls from client-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness techniques, and she tailors the mix to each person.
She notes that some people prefer brief, goal-focused work while others want a longer journey. Kathleen focuses on practical steps toward sleep and rest, emotion regulation, and coping with life changes. She treats people with respect and avoids stigmatizing labels.
If someone is ready to try a new approach to sleep, mood, or substance concerns, Kathleen supports clients through goal-setting, skill-building, and steady follow-through. The first step is a short matching process to arrange a session that fits the person's needs and schedule.
How her approaches work in online therapy
Client-centered therapy centers the client's perspective and priorities. The therapist follows the person's lead, listens closely, and helps shape goals that matter to them. This approach helps people who want a respectful, person-driven way to improve sleep, mood, or daily functioning.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and changing behaviors that interfere with rest and coping. It is practical and skill-based, and often used for insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. DBT techniques can help when strong emotions make sleep or relationships harder.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Kathleen will talk with each person about goals, try techniques, and adjust plans together so therapy fits changing needs and preferences.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, reduce travel, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Online work can support practicing skills between sessions and keeping steady progress without rearranging a whole day.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Massachusetts
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What types of concerns does she help with?
Kathleen supports people coping with sleep problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, stress, relationship and parenting concerns, grief, and related mood or life-change issues.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is interactive and conversational with frequent check-ins. Sessions focus on clear goals, practical skills, and tailoring techniques to each person's needs.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of direct clinical experience across settings such as substance abuse treatment, psychiatric emergency rooms, dialysis clinics, and community programs.
What credentials and region are listed for this clinician?
She holds an MA and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Massachusetts.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin care?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.