I work with individuals, couples, and families from all over the world to help them through the pain, distress, and challenges that may be preventing them from living a fuller and more engaged life. When working with me, you can expect to encounter compassion, acceptance, warmth and a little bit of humor—therapy can be painful at times, but can also include incredible moments of hope and discovery. I am licensed in the UAE and in the USA.
My areas of expertise include:
-Mood disorders
-Personality Disorders
-Family of Origin challenges
-Adult recovery from early childhood abuse
-Parenting Strategies (Incredible Years Program)
-Identity development
-Imposter syndrome
-Real/Ideal Self
-Family/marital conflict (Gottman and Bowen Family Systems)
-Unresolved/unmet needs
-Issues with Self-Worth and Self-Esteem
-Adjustment disorder; trailing spouse experiences; expatriate adjustment; identity
-Schooling challenges
-Neurodiversity-informed treatments
-Clinical supervision
I use an integrative approach to psychological therapy, incorporating Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This integrative approach enables her to rely on evidenced-based therapies while tailoring a treatment approach that is specific and unique to the individual.
Licensed and trained in the USA and in Dubai, Dr. O'Connell has multiple advanced degrees in counseling, psychological science, and a doctorate in psychology. She is a USA board-certified counselor (NBCC). In addition to providing therapy, Dr. O’Connell is the Clinical Director at Thrive and is a professor at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) where she teaches and conducts research.
Please feel free to reach out to learn more about how we might work together.
CLINIC NAME
Thrive Wellbeing Centre
CLINIC ADDRESS
JLT
COUNTRY
United Arab Emirates
LANGUAGES
English
PRACTICE
Both In-Person & Online
PROFESSION
Counseling Psychologist
CREDENTIALS
Psy. D., MA., MS.
LICENSING AUTHORITY
CDA (UAE) and State of Washington (USA)
TYPES OF SERVICES
Therapy
THERAPY
IndividualsCouplesFamiliesChildren
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Supervision/ConsultationTeachingTrainingEducational WorkshopsCorporate TalksMedia Interview/Writing
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
10+
SPECIALIZATIONS
AngerAnxietyCareer CounselingCodependencyDepressionDual DiagnosisEmotion RegulationInternet Use ProblemsMood SwingsObsessions and CompulsionsOppositional DefiancePanicParentingRacial IdentityRelationship IssuesSelf EsteemSelf-HarmingSpiritualityStressSuicidal Ideation
APPROACH
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)Dialectical (DBT)Gottman MethodHumanisticIntegrative
AGE GROUP
8 to 1213 to 1516 to 1819 to 2122 to 64
APPOINTMENT WAIT TIME
Less than a week from time of contact
PREFERRED CONTACT METHOD
Hoopfull Contact Form