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.

Work with Me
 
 
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“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!

I bring compassion, authenticity, empathy, and the occasional “F” or “S” bomb into the therapy space. I’m an active and collaborative therapist, and our work together is intentional — supportive, but not passive.

We’ll create a space that’s authentic to you and your journey, while also gently challenging patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

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 open to actively engaging in the therapy process. Our work is collaborative and insight-oriented, with a focus on understanding patterns, relational dynamics, and the ways past experiences show up in the present.

Sessions are not just a space to vent — we’ll slow things down, notice what’s happening beneath the surface, and build awareness that extends beyond our time together. At times, this may include gentle reflection or experimentation between sessions.

My belief is that deeper understanding creates space to accept, let go of, and shift patterns or beliefs that are no longer serving you, in a way that feels intentional and sustainable.

Education & Training

    • 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

    • Licensed Psychologist in NY

    • Registered Florida Telehealth Provider

    • 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