About: the Healing Journey and Therapy Approach
my story + my why.
“The best way we can show up for ourselves is to know and live our truths every single day.”
Hi. I’m Dr. Janine O’Brien.
You know that feeling when something feels off or you just don’t feel like yourself? I know it too.
Growing up as one of the only Asian kids in a predominantly white town, I often felt out of place. I related more to adults than peers and worked hard to stay under the radar—at the cost of hiding parts of myself. Like many, I coped through people-pleasing, but the more I tried to belong, the more disconnected I became from who I really was.
Therapy changed that for me. Before starting, I had no idea what it could offer. What I found was a space where I could show up fully—messy, complex, and real and be met with acceptance. It also was a space to start shifting from insecure attachment toward greater security in myself and my relationships—a process I deeply relate to and continue to honor in my own life.
That experience sparked my desire to create the same for others: a space where women can safely explore their cultural and intersecting identities, understand their anxieties, and embrace themselves fully.
Are you ready to work with a therapist who understands the pressure of performing, people-pleasing, and navigating cultural expectations? I’d love to support you.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.”
my approach &
philosophy.
As humans, we have an innate drive towards connection (to others, our world, and ourselves). We have the desire and need to be fully seen, heard, and accepted. At different times in life, we may find that we are disconnected in some way. This may show up as anxiety (people-pleasing, perfectionism, overfunctioning, hyperindependence, etc.), mood concerns, relationship concerns, work stress, or physical pains (just to name a few).
Simultaneously, when disconnection occurs (either periodically or chronically), it is often difficult for us as humans to reach out for support as it poses a risk to our very sense of connection. That’s where therapy and our work together comes into the picture.
Therapy provides a space to explore, process, and understand where you have come from and how experiences/identities/worldviews have influenced where you are at currently along with the disconnections you are experiencing. With increased understanding and connection, you will be able to more effectively and authentically move through your world.
In Therapy with Me!
What you can expect in therapy with me: I bring compassion, authenticity, empathy, and the occasional "F" or "S" bomb into the therapy space. We will work together to create a space that is unique and authentic to you, your journey, and our therapeutic relationship.
My commitment to you is that I will do my very best to meet you where you are at.
I work best with clients who are motivated and interested in putting in the work to gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, their patterns, and their worlds (inside of AND outside of therapy sessions). It is my belief that with increased and deeper understanding, there will be an opening to accept, let go of, change and shift the patterns and beliefs that are no longer serving you.
Education & Training
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Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Pace University Counseling Center
PsyD in Clinical Psychology, University of Hartford
Pre-Doctoral Internship, American University Counseling Center
MA in Clinical Practices, University of Hartford
MA in General Psychology, Derner Institute at Adelphi University
BA in Psychology, Hofstra University
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Licensed Psychologist in NY
Registered Florida Telehealth Provider
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St. John’s Counseling and Psychological Services
Pace University Counseling Center
American University Counseling Center
Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center
St. Joseph’s Counseling Center
Hartford Job Corps.
Eastern Connecticut State University Center Counseling Center