ANN O’BRIEN, LCSW, MSc

I bring 20 years of experience as a therapist and prior experience as a researcher to my work.  I offer a kind and caring ear and help clients draw on their inner strengths and resilience to achieve meaningful growth.  I operate from a humanistic, strengths-based and holistic perspective.  I have seen mindfulness allow for significant improvement in well-being across an array of issues.

Additionally, I am trained in EMDR and Grief Counseling.  I have a Certificate in Integrative Medicine for Mental Health and am well-equipped to help you explore ways that nutrition, exercise, sleep and other factors might enhance well-being.  I have also received training in the Gottman Method and the Developmental Model for Couples Counseling.

In addition to private practice, I have worked as a therapist at UCLA’s Rape Treatment Center, St. Francis Children’s Counseling Center and served on the Board of Directors for the Sexual Assault Resource Center in Portland, OR.  I also served as Adjunct Faculty in USC’s School of Social Work from 2009-2018.  I taught Clinical and Field Social Work Courses and supervised graduate students in their Field Practicums.  I am Bilingual (English-Spanish), with extensive clinical experience with immigrant families in Los Angeles.    Prior to being a Therapist, I was a Researcher at UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, where I was the Director of a study on Methamphetamine Abuse.  I appreciate using research to inform my practice.

I am happily married and have two children, who have taught me so much about humility, compassion and presence.

Education

• Yale University (BA in History).
• London School of Economics (Masters of Science, Social Research Methods & Social Psychology).
• University of Southern California (Masters of Social Work).

I draw on my experience and kindness to help each client attain his or her goals.  Please reach out to see if I can help you!