I’m Mark O’Connell, a psychotherapist, author, and educator in New York City. I help people to find safety in self-expression, and to feel more connected, creative, and alive.
You Are More Than What You Seem
“Our everyday self is a narrow construct… Our total self is far broader, ultimately infinite.”
– Richard Hornby
Space to be Seen and Heard
Therapy isn’t about fixing who you are — it’s about embodying what’s already true and alive within you.
In our work together, you’ll have the space to slow down, make sense of what you feel and think, and connect more deeply with yourself and with others.
I believe therapy is an invitation for you to show up as you are so we can discover the variety of authentic ways you can be—in your relationships, in your work, in your life.
I’m a Professional Listener.
At the core of my work is listening — not just to your words, but to who you are beneath them.
I attune to your rhythms, emotions, and impulses so that you can begin to hear yourself more clearly, too. Together, we make space for you to show up — as you are, and as you’re becoming.
The methods and frameworks I use arise from that listening process, adapting to what you most need in order to feel seen, alive, and connected.
Relational
We heal through relationships — when we’re met with empathy, curiosity, and respect. Our work together is built on that foundation.
Embodied
The body remembers what the mind forgets. I help you tune into sensations and impulses that guide you toward safety, vitality, and presence.
Creative
Therapy, like art, is an act of creation. My background as an actor informs how I help you express and inhabit your full range of feeling and being.
Integrative
I draw from psychodynamic, attachment-based, and somatic approaches — always tailoring the work to support your process of becoming who you are.
Who I Work With
I work with adults, adolescents, couples, families, and professionals who want to live and relate more authentically.
Individuals — navigating anxiety, shame, identity, or creative and relational challenges
Couples — seeking repair, deeper intimacy, or healthier patterns of connection
Artists and performers — balancing visibility and vulnerability
Adolescents — developing self-awareness, communication, and confidence in a rapidly changing world
Families — working through conflict and cultivating mutual understanding
Therapists and helping professionals — exploring embodiment, supervision, or consultation
About Me
I’m a licensed clinical social worker with nearly two decades of experience helping people show up more fully in their lives and relationships.
I’m also the author of the book The Performing Art of Therapy and numerous articles on the performing art of living.
My work bridges psychotherapy and acting — fields in which I hold both clinical training and an MFA — to help people find safety in self-expression and authenticity in connection.
Beyond private practice, I teach and speak internationally about embodied presence, authenticity, and the creative self in therapy.
Getting Started
Taking the first step can feel uncertain — and that’s okay.
I often tell new clients who come in with a specific “problem,”
“Yes, that’s what brought you here. But we’ll find out why you’re really here in time.”
You don’t need the right words or a clear plan to begin.
If something in this resonates with you, we can start there.