daniel j. o'connell, lcsw

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which means that I am a trained psychotherapist but that I also have direct experience in addressing the systems and structures which form society and culture -
as such I have a well-rounded and broad base of experience and education, one that has taken me from advocacy and supportive roles, through complex cases and court work, and further into outreach and mental health. I work from a humanist and person-centered perspective, meaning that I hold a deep-seated belief in the value and agency of all human beings. 

I trained in both the U.S. and the U.K., and have been working since 2003 with adults, children, and families experiencing complex themes including: domestic violence, substance abuse, LGBTQ issues, physical and sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial and environmental issues, homelessness, physical and mental illness, dual diagnosis, grief and loss. I have championed wellness and empowerment in my roles as a social worker, psychotherapist and clinical director.

My approach to therapy is two-fold - firstly practical and grounded, engaging my clients in skills-based work such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and traditional therapeutic models / the second is my existential perspective; approaching the grander and more complex questions of meaning, connection, satisfaction and purpose in life. I believe that acknowledging the broader dimensions of the human condition, in collaboration with themes of reality acceptance, assists us in attaining radical acceptance- a grounded and empowered joining with the word through a lens of authenticity, knowledge of self, ability to hold boundaries and to be creative in one’s life. 

In addition to my LCSW licensure I also hold two degrees in Fine Art - I combine therapy with an avid interest in literature, poetry, creative expression, music and the spectrum of arts as a gateway toward a deeper expression of self and personhood.