Mark O’Connell, LCSW-R, MFA
Psychotherapist | Author | Educator
Why I Became a Therapist
At the heart of my work is listening — deep, curious, respectful listening. In the acting world in which I trained, the scene partner matters. In therapy, you’re the scene partner. I became a therapist because I wanted to bring that kind of presence, openness, and attunement into the relational world of real lives.
Many people come to therapy with a “problem” or a question. My hope is that, over time, we’ll uncover something deeper: who you are beneath what you think is wrong. Because when you’re truly seen, heard, and allowed to show up — everything shifts.
My Professional Journey
I hold a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in New York City. I also trained as an actor (M.F.A.) at Trinity Rep Conservatory and bring that creative dimension into my therapeutic work.
Here are some highlights of what I’ve done:
Author of The Performing Art of Therapy: Acting Insights and Techniques for Clinicians (Routledge) and Modern Brides & Modern Grooms: A Guide to Planning Straight, Gay, and Other Nontraditional 21st Century Weddings (Skyhorse).
Popular and clinical writing in outlets such as Psychology Today, Psychotherapy Networker, The Huffington Post, Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, among others.
International teaching and speaking on topics including relational presence, creative identity, and authenticity in therapy.
My background in both psychotherapy and the art of acting allows me to approach you not only as a clinician, but as a creative collaborator. In session, we’ll treat therapy more like a rehearsal — a space where you can experiment, respond, and discover.
I have received mentorship in relational psychotherapy with psychoanalysts Ken Corbett and Lewis Aron, and I’ve studied family systems, couples therapy and a number of other approaches with distinguished clinicians. I also offer clinical supervision and teach workshops for therapists on how to use our “instruments”/ ourselves, authentically in session.
My Approach in Practice
Here’s how I work with you:
Relational: Our therapeutic relationship is the foundation. When you feel held by empathy, curiosity, and respect, real change can begin.
Embodied: The body holds what the mind may miss. I invite exploration of sensations, impulses, and presence so you can feel grounded and alive.
Creative: Just like an actor on a stage, you bring a role, a truth, and a voice. Our work together opens that voice and lets it speak with clarity and courage.
Integrative: I draw from psychodynamic, attachment-based, somatic, and relational frameworks — and you and I choose together what fits right now for you.
In short: I’m a professional listener first — and the methods follow what you need to show up as your full self.
Who I Work With
I work with individuals, couples, adolescents, families, and professionals who are ready to move beyond survival-mode and live more deeply and creatively.
Some of the people I often support:
Adults facing anxiety, shame, disconnection, or a wish to expand their sense of self
Couples seeking to deepen intimacy, repair ruptures, or build a more connected partnership
Creative professionals (actors, artists, performers) balancing authenticity, visibility, and vulnerability
Teens and young adults navigating identity, family dynamics, and the pressure to fit in
Families working through conflict and seeking mutual understanding
Therapists and helping professionals exploring their own development, supervision, or consultation
Beyond the Therapy Room
When I’m not working with clients, writing, or teaching workshops, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, engaging in creative projects, practicing yoga, playing tennis, and simply noticing what it means to show up fully in everyday life. These experiences keep me grounded and connected to what I bring into therapy: the real, messy, beautiful improvisation of living.
Let’s Begin
If something here speaks to you — if you’re ready for a space where you can be seen, heard, and attuned to — I invite you to reach out. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You simply need to bring yourself.