Divorce and Family Transitions 


Working with children demonstrated how family stress and disruption often manifest in children in the forms of illness, physical and emotional symptoms, as well as school problems.


All members of the family need help and support in adjusting to changes in the family situation.  Help comes in the form of expertise, information and advice.  Dr. O’Connell has been providing child-centered mediation since 1983.  Over time, as new options have become available to separating and divorcing parents, Dr. O’Connell has worked with family law attorneys and other professionals in developing and refining new less conflictual approaches to divorce. 


Services

CHILD CENTERED DIVORCE MEDIATION
COLLABORATIVE LAW:  CHILD SPECIALIST & COACH
PARENTING COORDINATION
PARENT EDUCATION
PSYCHOTHERAPY & COACHING FOR PARENTS IN DIFFICULT DIVORCE SITUATIONS
CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS
CONSULTATIONS ON CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS

CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES


Couples Therapy 


The goal of Couples therapy is helping a couple be able to communicate more effectively, and to be able to understand and respond to each other in effective and constructive ways.   Dr. O’Connell has specialized in doing this successfully for over twenty years. 

Clinical Psychologist & Family Specialist

 

Individual Therapy 


Most depression, anxiety and relationship problems come from being stuck or limited in one’s problem solving techniques/abilities.  Some solutions can be found in the present, but often others are related to past experiences.   Effective therapy comes from the right individually arrived at mixture of approaches or solutions that work for each individual.  Often a blend of different therapeutic approaches will be the most helpful and effective.
 
The goal is to help you be your best possible self; able to have a productive, fulfilling life with satisfying relationships.   This includes setting the right goals, and developing the insight, understanding and strength to pursue them.

Therapy should result in long-term improvement in one’s quality of life.  Sometimes, this is accomplished by accurately identifying problems and solutions very quickly.  Other times it is a more incremental process.  Each therapy relationship is tailored to the needs and wishes of the individual.

Assessment and Consultation to psychiatrists and other therapists 


Psychological Testing is a structured set of diagnostic techniques used to assess underlying problems whose origin is not readily clear through the usual interview and treatment techniques.
 
When a child or adult’s emotional, behavioral or learning problem has not responded to intervention by psychotherapists or psychiatrists, or is puzzling to the professionals involved, Psychological Testing can be very helpful in clarifying the underlying issues so that they can be specifically addressed. 

For over 30 years, Dr. O’Connell has successfully   helped children and their families by accurately diagnosing issues and problems that were not responding to the first line of intervention by physicians or psychotherapists.  She also assesses adults.


Initially, she studied with pioneers in the field at the University of Chicago.  She then continued at Michael Reese Hospital and The University of Illinois where she was engaged as part of a research team using Psychological Testing to assess neurological and emotional strengths and weaknesses of children.  She was asked to serve on Cook County’s Juvenile Court Clinical Services Initiative as a member of the expert panel on Psychological testing from 1997-2000.