About Me
Loren O′Neil, LCSW:
Psychotherapist
I am a NY State licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience helping people heal from trauma, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their capacity for growth. My work is rooted in attachment theory, a strengths-based lens, and an anti-oppressive framework, ensuring therapy is both personally meaningful and mindful of the systemic forces that shape our lives.
​
My path to private practice began in social services, where I worked at the intersection of social justice, health, and trauma recovery. Early in my career, I provided support and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS and worked with women and communities impacted by incarceration. These roles deepened my commitment to equity and to serving populations often marginalized by traditional systems.
​
As my focus shifted toward clinical work, I specialized in the treatment of developmental and acute trauma, working extensively with individuals and families affected by systemic injustice and separation due to incarceration. As a manager and supervisor in community-based clinics, I trained and mentored other clinicians, led trauma-informed care initiatives, and contributed to the development of treatment models specifically designed for families impacted by incarceration.
​
Today, I bring these experiences into the therapy room—combining evidence-based clinical skills with the compassion, curiosity, and systemic awareness I honed in the field. Influenced by Rogerian (humanistic) principles, I believe the therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful tool for healing. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your experiences, discover new perspectives, and develop lasting tools for change.
​
I am trained and certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR. My work may involve exploring internal dynamics, reprocessing traumatic experiences, or examining long-standing patterns of thought and belief, with the goal of supporting recovery from trauma, strengthening resilience, and creating space for more connected, grounded ways of living.
Therapeutic Models
IFS
Internal Family Systems
IFS is a compassionate, non-pathologizing approach that views the mind as an internal system of “parts,” each with its own feelings, beliefs, and roles. Some protect you from pain, while others carry the emotional burdens of the past.
-
In practice: We’ll get to know your protective and wounded parts, understand why they exist, and help them trust your Self—your calm, compassionate core.
-
Why it helps: By bringing curiosity and care to these inner parts, you can reduce inner conflict, soften self-criticism, and release the burdens of past experiences without re-traumatization.
-
Common outcomes:
-
More self-compassion and emotional balance
-
Greater clarity in decision-making
-
Deeper connection to your authentic self
-
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is one of the most widely researched and effective treatments for anxiety, depression, and trauma-related distress. It focuses on the link between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
-
In practice: We’ll identify unhelpful thinking patterns, test their accuracy, and replace them with more balanced perspectives. We’ll also introduce behavioral changes that reinforce healthier thinking.
-
Why it helps: CBT offers practical, actionable strategies that you can apply immediately to improve mood and functioning.
-
Common outcomes:
-
Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms
-
More flexible thinking
-
Stronger coping skills and emotional regulation
-
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy used to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences that continue to cause emotional distress. It is especially effective for addressing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, intrusive memories, and trauma-related symptoms stemming from single-incident or complex trauma.
-
In practice: EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while gently focusing on aspects of a traumatic memory. This process helps the brain reprocess and integrate experiences that have remained “stuck,” allowing them to be stored in a more adaptive way without overwhelming emotional charge.
-
Why it helps: Clients often experience relief as distressing memories become less intense and no longer dominate their present-day emotional responses. EMDR supports healing without requiring detailed verbal recounting of trauma.
-
Common outcomes:
-
Reduced emotional intensity of traumatic memories
-
Decreased anxiety and trauma-related symptom
-
Increased sense of clarity, relief, and emotional stability
-
CPT
Cognitive Processing Therapy
CPT is a structured, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms. It focuses on challenging and reframing the unhelpful beliefs that can form after trauma.
-
In practice: We’ll identify “stuck points”—thoughts that keep you trapped in distress, such as self-blame or mistrust—and use cognitive tools to shift them.
-
Why it helps: CPT allows you to integrate traumatic events into your life story without being dominated by them, restoring a sense of agency and hope.
-
Common outcomes:
-
Reduced intrusive thoughts and distress
-
Restored sense of safety and trust
-
Improved self-worth and self-acceptance
-
Rogerian / Humanistic Therapy
Based on the work of Carl Rogers, this approach holds that people have an innate drive toward growth when offered the right environment.
-
In practice: I bring empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard to every session, creating a safe and accepting space for self-exploration.
-
Why it helps: Feeling deeply understood and accepted fosters self-awareness, self-compassion, and the courage to create change.
-
Common outcomes:
-
Increased self-esteem and self-trust
-
Clearer sense of personal values and goals
-
Stronger, more authentic relationships
-
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often will we meet?
Most clients meet weekly, though session frequency can be adjusted to fit your needs.
​
2. Do you take insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider but can provide superbills for reimbursement. I also offer a sliding scale when appropriate.
3. How long will therapy take?
It varies—some clients feel relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from deeper, ongoing work.
4. Do you combine approaches?
Yes. I often integrate IFS, CBT and CPT as well as attachment theory and humanistic approaches, depending on your goals and needs.
5. What is your style as a therapist?
I am collaborative, nonjudgmental, and engaged. I offer both space for reflection and practical tools you can use between sessions.
Contact Loren
190 North 10th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11211
Telehealth available for New York residents
oneilloren@gmail.com | 917-426-5998