Maureen O’Connell, LCMHC

Maureen O'Connell is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina with 21 years of professional experience. She focuses on supporting people who struggle with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, trauma, and the stresses that affect families and relationships, bringing a trauma-informed perspective to her work. Maureen believes that parts of ourselves can interfere with being present, clear, and calm, and she works to help clients bridge the gap between their values and daily functioning.

Her therapeutic approach blends compassion with practical skill-building. She integrates principles from acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, exposure and response prevention, mindfulness-based stress reduction, internal family systems, attachment theory, and family systems work to provide a tailored path toward healing. This combination is used to teach essential skills that gradually reduce anxiety cycles and support long-term change.

In her private practice, Best Self Therapy & Wellness, Maureen helps clients move beyond mere coping toward genuine healing and growth. She emphasizes steady, compassionate work that promotes inner harmony and the ability to live more intentionally, and she encourages anyone ready to take a first step to reach out for support.

Integrating therapy approaches for accessible online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and build psychological flexibility by accepting difficult thoughts and committing to meaningful actions. ACT is useful for anxiety, OCD patterns, and values-driven change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns through practical exercises and skill training, making it a common choice for panic, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive concerns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and stress reduction practices that support emotional regulation and reduce reactivity, which can be helpful alongside other treatments for trauma and anxiety.

Maureen works collaboratively with each person to determine the combination of approaches that fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they assess what strategies feel most useful and adapt the plan over time, so therapy becomes a joint process of learning and adjustment.

Online sessions with Maureen can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, limited mobility, or those who prefer remote access. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care and integrate therapy into everyday life while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor support to each individual.