I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with over 20 years of experience helping people. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, life transitions, substance use, addiction and people experiencing psychosis. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse.
My counseling style is client centered, warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing and mindfulness techniques to teach important skills to assist with symptom reduction as we work through concerns together. Depending on the issue and client preference, I will often use a brief solution focused therapy approach to begin addressing concerns right away, but I will always tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. The frequency with which you can have access to a counselor to work through day to day emotions and problem solving is extremely beneficial for most and a nice change from traditional outpatient counseling. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. I offer video, live chat and phone sessions with availability in the evenings and weekends. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first.
It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Antisocial Personality, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Intellectual Disability, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality Disorders, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Traumatic Brain Injury
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
VA LCSW 0904008957
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Stephen O'Brien. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Stephen has been a great counselor to me for the past several months, especially when I felt like no one was taking my mental crisis seriously from the beginning. During our sessions, he's been monitering, identifying, and taking notes to my dilemma. So yes, anyone who needs counseling, Stephen is that individual.
Written on Jun 24, 2021 after therapy with Stephen for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Since day 1 Stephen has been open and adaptive to my issues. Identifying my goals and needs and helping me work through them. 5/5 stars
Written on Dec 20, 2020 after therapy with Stephen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue