Heather OConnell , LPCC

Heather O'Connell holds a Master’s degree from John Carroll University and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), a credential that indicates specialized graduate training and clinical licensure in counseling. Based in Northeast Ohio, she brings seven years of clinical experience working in community mental health settings with a diverse range of young clients aged 6 to 18.

Her practice has focused on challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and post-traumatic stress, and she has developed strong therapeutic relationships while delivering developmentally appropriate care. Heather emphasizes practical, goal-oriented work that helps clients build coping skills for stress, improve self-esteem, and navigate life transitions.

Passionate about mental health, she aims to be a reliable, supportive presence throughout the therapeutic process, helping individuals and families set and reach meaningful goals. Her approach blends evidence-based techniques with attention to each person's unique circumstances, with particular interest in trauma and abuse, grief, and challenges common to young people and women.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced thoughts and practical behaviors; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood-related concerns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches techniques to increase present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity to difficult thoughts and feelings, which can support stress management and emotional regulation. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on processing and coping with traumatic experiences in a paced, supportive way to reduce symptoms related to post-traumatic stress and improve daily functioning.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Heather works with clients to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and together they determine which methods or combination of methods will best support progress.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and some work can continue through live chat or text-based messaging. This range of options makes it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access support from a licensed professional without travel.