Quality Therapy in Avon, CT

We provide a safe, professional environment in which each person may best explore the issues most important to each of them. We all encounter struggles at various points in our lives; therapy is a valuable asset toward easing these challenges. We are passionate about our work and dedicated to aiding my clients in realizing and developing their strengths, potential, and capacity for growth and change.
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Life’s struggles can come in many forms – depression, anxiety, grief, mania, frustrations, and anger – to name a few. If you or someone you love is struggling and in need of help, you have come to the right place. While therapy can be intimidating and challenging, it represents a unique opportunity to enact lasting change. Take the first step today by reaching out.

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A Psychologist that Cares

Dr. O’Connor’s goal is to provide excellent, personalized, and compassionate care to all his patients. The difficulties people face tend to be very unique. This highlights the importance of treatment tailored to the individual. Dr. O’Connor works collaboratively with his patients to devise a plan that meets their specific needs.

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The foundation of my therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, or some may say psychoanalytic. I encourage my clients to put words to their thoughts and feelings as they occur and in the most authentic and unaltered form as possible. Together we venture to understand your full experience, shining a gentle and understanding light on the most difficult aspects of what it means to be you. I seek to challenge my clients in an environment of acceptance with the goal of increasing self- awareness. This includes understanding the complex and conflictual nature of your emotional world. It has been my experience that through this awareness comes growth, decreased suffering, and an increased sense of freedom. I also try to offer practical ways to reduce suffering in the moment while we search for a better overall understanding of the full picture.

Being the parent of a child who is acting out, or struggling academically, socially or emotionally can be difficult. I work closely with parents using a family systems approach to help them understand their child's challenges and to develop strategies. I use play therapy and client-centered, supportive therapy to provide a caring, nurturing, space in order to better understand your child and how his or her needs can be better met. For older children who can better put their thoughts and feelings into words, I work as practically as possible. I try to meet them where they are, and help them understand their problems and provide them with specific ways they might address them. I also work with children and families who are navigating divorce.

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Brennan O'Connor, PsyD

My name is Brendan O’Connor and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the states of Connecticut and New York. I graduated from the University of Hartford's Graduate Institute in Professional Psychology with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2016. Since 2017, I have worked in private practice serving individuals (children and adults), couples, and families. The foundation of my approach is psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, however, I do my best to meet the needs of my patients. This includes using elements of the most up to date evidence based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, motivational interviewing and dialectical behavioral therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • How much do sessions cost?

    I accept some insurance plans, and if you are interested in paying out of pocket, the fee is based on a sliding scale to accommodate your financial situation.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    If you need to cancel or reschedule, I understand, however, please provide 24-hours notice so that I may offer your time to another client in need. If you cancel with less than 24-hours notice, I ask that you pay the full fee.

  • What’s the difference between a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

    These are all types of mental health professionals whose capabilities and responsibilities vary. To start, a therapist is a more general term while psychologist and psychiatrist refer to someone with specific qualifications. Therapists refer to anyone who have some level of training in psychotherapy. They practice different therapies with their clients. So, psychologists and psychiatrists can be therapists, but are not always therapists.


    A psychologist is someone who has an advanced degree (ex. PhD) in psychology. They often conduct research or fufill the role of the therapist by providing psychotherapy.


    A psychiatrist is someone who has an advanced degree (ex. M.D.) who went to medical school for their degree. This gives psychiatrists the power to prescribe medications unlike most therapists or psychologists.


    Dr. O'Connor is a psychologist and focuses primarily on psychotherapy.

  • Are sessions confidential?

    Yes, they are completely confidential. As a professional psychologist, we believe that confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and their psychologist. Treatment requires a high level of trust in order to be successful. What you discuss in your sessions will not be shared with anyone without your written permission (to update your physician, attorney, etc.) State law and professional ethics requires psychologist to break confidentiality in the following situations: Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources. If the psychologist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

  • Why choose Dr. O’Connor as your psychologist?


Dr. O’Connor is professional and compassionate psychologist that provides individualized mental health services in a private, comfortable setting. If you have a mental health problem or just feel like life is overwhelming, Dr. O’Connor is a psychologist ready to address your problems or struggles so you can flourish in life. He offers a safe, non-judgmental experience where you are free to learn and grow and heal. He deals with many mental health disorders such as addiction, depression, and anxiety. He is happy to be your psychologist, no matter what you are going through. He is a psychologist that knows that seeking treatment can feel intimidating, so we promise to cultivate a safe environment where we will listen to you, support you, and help you move forward in a healthy way. If you are ready for a change, Dr. O’Connor is a psychologist eager to help. When you give us a call, you’ll be connected directly to one of our friendly staff, so you can expect immediate attention to your inquiry. So don’t wait. Call now!

I know that reaching out for therapy can be intimidating, but I provide a safe, serene, kind environment to ensure that you are comfortable. It's never too late to start bettering yourself, your relationship, or your family. Contact Me Today!

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